Department of Political Science
428 Old Main
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
P 479-575-3356
F 479-575-6432
Admin Supervisor
Michelle Raborn
praborn@uark.edu
Administrative Assistant
Patrick Grimes
patrickg@uark.edu
Mock Trial Group
2021-2022 Executive Board
Please direct all communications to the program email.
Advisor: Dr. Andrew Dowdle
President: Madalyn Acton
Vice-President: Julianna Kantner
Treasurer: Sidnie Thompson
Secretary: Daisy Rehbock
Public Relations Chair: Emory White
What is Mock Trial?
Mock Trial is a competitive public speaking event where participants compete in civil or criminal trial simulations against
other teams. Students play roles as attorneys and witnesses who individually contribute
to the overall performance of the team. Mock trial students develop not only public
speaking skills, but also critical thinking, legal knowledge, and analytical skills.
Benefits of Membership
The program helps students become involved with like-minded individuals, as well as
prepare for law school applications and eventually law school. It also allows students
to network with attorneys, judges, professors, and other pre-law students around the
country.
Qualifications for Membership
Membership is open to all students currently enrolled full-time and in good standing
at the U of A.
Commitment to the Program
This program is unlike other groups and clubs on campus. Membership requires a try-out
during the first two weeks of the fall semester. Once a member has been drafted onto
one of the University's three mock trial teams, he/she is expected to attend 2-3 practices
per week to prepare for competitions. In addition to practices, all competitions
are mandatory. Competitions are hosted by colleges and universities across the country,
though the program typically participates in competitions in the Midwest and South.
The program travels to three competitions per semester, and those competitions generally
start Friday evening and last through Sunday evening.