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DO I GET CLASS
CREDIT ? |
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YES !!! In fact, to be on the team
for a competitive season,
you
must take POSC 398 in the Fall
Semester of each year that
you
compete. POSC 398 carries 1-4
units - graded A through
F. You MUST take POSC 398
for 4 units the first time
you take it. POSC 398 may
be taken for up to
8
units.
POSC 398 may also be taken in the
Spring semesters, BUT only
to the extent that you have
enough
remaining POSC 398 units to
be taken in the Fall semester
of each year that you plan
to
be on the Mock Trial Team.
(i.e. if you will be a junior
this
Fall you can take POSC 398
every semester until the
end of your
senior year [4 units for Fall
of YR1, 1 unit for Spring
of YR1, 2 units for Fall
of YR2. 1 unit for Spring
of YR2]; if you are an incoming
freshman
this
Fall,
you would be able to
take
POSC 398 along the following
schedule [4 units for Fall
of YR1, 1 unit for Spring
of YR1, 1 unit for Fall of
YR2, 1 unit for Fall of YR3,
1 unit for Fall of YR4];similar
schedules can be worked out
for Sophomores, etc.) This
can be confusing. But, don't
worry. Coaches will assist
you with working
out unit schedules.
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WHAT IS MOCK TRIAL?
Mock Trial is a competitive trial simulation.
Two teams present all the aspects of a regular
trial, including opening statements, direct
and cross examinations, and closing arguments.Each
team prepares their case in a different
manner so you never know quite what to expect
in a mock trial situation. Practicing legal
professionals (attorneys & judges) preside
over, score, and determine the winner of
the mock trial competition.
The USC Mock
Trial Team competes on
the American Mock Trial Association
circuit. Over 400
colleges and university teams from around
the nation compete against each other
by presenting
either the Prosecution/Plaintiff or Defense
side of a mock case. Each side presents
an Opening Statement, Direct & Cross Examination
of 3 Prosecution witnesses and 3 Defense
witnesses, and Closing Arguments. Students
must follow the rules of evidence of the
“State of Midlands” (an imaginary state
that closely follows the Federal Rules
of
Evidence).
Student attorneys are expected to be familiar
with trial procedures, court decorum, evidentiary
objections and proper examination techniques.
Student witnesses are expected to portray
witnesses in a realistic manner and be familiar
with witnesses’ sworn affidavits.
WHAT IS THE TIME
COMMITMENT LIKE?
IT DEPENDS. The teams meet on Tuesdays
and Thursdays from 7-9 PM and sometimes
for several hours on some Saturdays and
Sundays when competitions are approaching.
Your schedule has to be quite flexible in
November, mid-January, the end of February,
the end of March and the beginning of April
because the Team travels to competitions
during these periods. Plan to spend between
4 and 20 hours a week on mock trial, depending
on your competitive role (witness only,
witness & attorney, or attorney only). Folks
who play witness roles exclusively, will
spend the least amount of time.
HOW DO I JOIN
THE TEAM?
To join the Team, you must have a successful
tryout and register for POSC 398. Once
you
successfully tryout, you may register for
the class. You MUST take POSC 398
for 4 units the first time
you take it.TRYOUTS will
be held September 4th, 5th and 8th.
The tryout materials
are [AVAILABLE
HERE].
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