Campus Life

Mock Trial

In 1984, Central College was one of seven colleges competing in a brand-new forensics activity – mock trial. Now boasting over three decades of inspiring performance, Central students are among more than 5,300 undergraduates who compete in mock trial tournaments each year.

Biology, English, business and education majors – and anyone who likes a challenge – can train, travel and compete on Central’s team. Meanwhile, students build priceless skills to use their entire lives. They excel in law school (often receiving full tuition scholarships), as well as business, medicine, public relations and more.

Our Coaches

Coach since 2020
Attorney

 

Coach since 2020
Competed 2002-2006

Dr. Donald P. Racheter Mock Trial Invitational

Central’s annual invitational honors our first coach, Don Racheter, professor of political science 1976-2005. Racheter helped found the American Mock Trial Association and served Central students for 21 years as mock trial coach and pre-law program director. He is now chief operating officer of the Public Interest Institute. Coached by Racheter, Central’s team captured second place in 1985 continued to reach the national tournament every year for 20 years. The invitational is held on campus each year in January.

What is Mock Trial?

In mock trial competitions, students perform a simulated trial against teams from other schools. Competitions are designed to reenact what takes place in a trial court, and students are evaluated by professional lawyers and judges. There is no script, and participants must adjust their strategy as the trial unfolds.
So, how do you win? Judges score each student based on his or her role, and the team with the most points wins. College competitions are governed by the American Mock Trial Association. Top teams from each regional tournament compete in semifinals before the national championship tournament in April.

Contact Information

X: @DutchMockTrial
Instagram: @Cuimocktrial