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Pauly Friedman Art Gallery, 2nd floor Insalaco Hall. Most accessible parking at Mercy Lot near Bevevino Library and transparent bus shelter.
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Pauly Friedman Art Gallery, 2nd floor Insalaco Hall. Most accessible parking at Mercy Lot near Bevevino Library and transparent bus shelter.
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Pauly Friedman Art Gallery, 2nd floor Insalaco Hall. Most accessible parking at Mercy Lot near Bevevino Library and transparent bus shelter.
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Pauly Friedman Art Gallery, 2nd floor Insalaco Hall. Most accessible parking at Mercy Lot near Bevevino Library and transparent bus shelter.

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Misericordia University

Mock Trial

Where acting, public speaking, and competition come together.

Misericordia Mock Trial gives students the opportunity to think critically, perform confidently, and compete as part of a close-knit team in a simulated courtroom setting.

Argument

Build persuasive cases, analyze evidence, and think on your feet.

Performance

Develop presence, delivery, and character work in a live courtroom setting.

Competition

Face colleges from across the country in fast-paced trial rounds.

Misericordia Mock Trial Team
About Mock Trial

A courtroom experience built on strategy, storytelling, and skill.

How It Works

Mock Trial is a competitive team where students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a simulated courtroom trial and compete against other colleges.

Each year, teams across the country receive the same fictional case file, including witness statements, evidence, and legal rules. From that single case, students prepare both sides—prosecution or plaintiff and defense.

Student Roles

  • Attorneys deliver opening statements, question witnesses, and make closing arguments.
  • Witnesses develop characters, tell their story on the stand, and respond in real time under questioning.
  • Students may compete as attorneys, witnesses, or both.

Competition Format

At tournaments, teams compete in live trial rounds against other colleges. In one round, your team may argue the prosecution side; in the next, the defense.

There is no jury verdict. Judges score each part of the trial based on overall performance, and the team with the highest point total wins the round.

What Makes It Unique

Where Debate, Theater, and Competition Meet.

Debate

Build arguments, analyze facts, and respond strategically in real time.

Theater

Develop stage presence, character work, delivery, and improvisation skills.

Team Competition

Train together, compete together, and grow through challenge, discipline, and teamwork.

Why Join

Develop skills that set you apart.

Misericordia Mock Trial is more than a competition—it is a team experience that challenges you, pushes you, and gives you a place to belong.

If you think you might want to be a lawyer, Mock Trial offers unparalleled training. Even if you do not, it develops versatile skills that carry into nearly any career path.

1
Public Speaking
Gain confidence speaking in front of others.
2
Critical Thinking
Break down complex scenarios and respond in real time.
3
Performance
Develop stage presence, character work, and improvisation.
4
Teamwork
Work closely with others toward a shared goal.
5
Confidence
Grow by stepping outside your comfort zone.
Misericordia Mock Trial students
More Than a Club

An experience that extends beyond the courtroom.

Beyond competition, Mock Trial at Misericordia is a shared experience. Students travel together, compete together, and build strong friendships through the challenges and excitement of the season.

In its inaugural season, the Misericordia Mock Trial Team:

  • Traveled to multiple scrimmages against other universities
  • Competed together in a live gameshow experience in New York City
  • Hosted an Oscar-style black tie awards night at a private dinner club
  • Organized movie nights and mocktails
  • Enjoyed special group dinners throughout the season
Coaching & Mentorship

Learn from experienced trial attorneys.

Kristen Rodriguez

Kristen Rodriguez

Mock Trial at Misericordia is coached by Kristen Rodriguez, a practicing trial attorney and partner at Dentons US LLP. She is an experienced mock trial coach and judge who has coached a championship team and, as a competitor, earned All-American honors—the highest individual distinction in collegiate mock trial.

Students also work with practicing attorneys who serve as guest judges, providing additional feedback and real-world perspective throughout the season.

Whether students are brand new to Mock Trial or already have experience, they are challenged to improve and supported every step of the way.

Team Media

See the team in action.

Watch Misericordia Mock Trial in action—from competition highlights to team experiences that bring the season to life. These moments capture the energy, preparation, and camaraderie that define the team.

Contact / Join the Team

Interested in joining Mock Trial?

We welcome students from all majors and backgrounds. Whether you see yourself as an attorney, a witness, or are simply curious about trying something new, there is a place for you on this team.

For more information about the team, please complete the Mock Trial interest form.

Follow us on @mumocktrial for updates, events, and team highlights.