Internal Competitions
The Mock Trial Board hosts two internal competitions every year—one during each semester. The competitions are headed up by an appointed group of Competition Chairs and overseen by the President and Vice President of Internal Competitions. The competitions are entirely student run, and also serve as the only avenue for students to achieve Board membership. If you have questions about internal competitions or board membership, please contact us.
First Year Competition
1L students compete with a partner in the First-Year Competition. A full case packet is given to all competitors and the teams of two are instructed to prepare one pre-assigned side, either prosecution or defense. Each team is assigned an individual student coach that will work with the competitors to help them develop a case theory, instruct them on the logistics of a mock trial competition, and even set up scrimmages with other teams. Student coaches are Board members who have usually taken classes in evidence and trial advocacy, or competed in external trial competitions. Tip sessions and office hours are also held to give competitors extra help along the way.
Upper Level Competition
The Upper-Level Competition is open to all GW students who are not first-year students. The Upper-Level is also the avenue for transfer students interested in joining the Board achieve membership, however, current board members may also participate. Unlike the First-Year Competition, those students who compete in the Upper-Level receive one academic credit for their participation, regardless of whether they advance further in the competition or make the Board.