Pre-Legal Honor Society
PLHS members have the opportunity to participate in our mock trial program, which is composed of both in-house and competitive teams. Our cases run on a semester basis and meetings are designed to teach the necessary skills for competing in mock trial competitions, with both civil and criminal cases. The semester concludes with tournaments for both the in-house and competitive teams!
Our in-house team is an introduction to mock trial and a great learning experience, while our competitive team offers a unique opportunity for experienced individuals. Check out our guide below to choose which program is better for YOU!
Mock trial members must be PLHS members (pay dues and meet their point requirement). Mock trial practices are worth 4 points each and are mandatory for mock trial members.
Mock Trial
Competitive
• Experience-preferred: We require try-outs to join our competitive team. This means that while experience is not necessary, those with previous experience, whether received in our in-house program or during high school. tend to stand out more during try-outs.
• Team-Structure: Our competitive teams play both sides of the case packet, meaning that each member plays both an attorney and a character witness on opposite sides.
• Skill-Building & Upward Mobility: Through our competitive program, our team members build and refine their skills, making them excellent competitors. Select competitors are chosen to serve as Assistant Chairs, which may lead to Committee Chair positions.
• Time & Work Intensive: Our competitive team meets, at a minimum, four hours a week. Towards the end of the competitive season, the team meets three to five times a week, often working past 9 PM. We expect that all team members commit to attending practices and working on their materials unless otherwise communicated and excused.
• Competition: PLHS and PAD co-host the Swamp Scrimmage, a semesterly mock trial tournament with teams from across the country! Our competitive teams have and will continue to travel for other mock trial tournaments upon their announcement, but traveling is not a requirement.
In-House
• Beginner-friendly!: We teach you everything you need to know to succeed as a mock trial competitor. This includes drafting opening & closing statements, directs, and crosses, as well as learning how to play a strong character witness, conduct yourself in a courtroom, and most importantly, object!
• Team-structure: Our in-house teams are designed to allow for an optimal learning experience. As such, our in-house teams only play one side of the case, with each member playing either an attourney or a character witness.
• Social Benefits: Members are teamed up with those in the PLHS In-House program, making the program a great way to meet those involved in PLHS who share similar interests as you!
• Less Intensive Time Commitment: Our in-house teams meet Tuesdays & Thursdays from 7-9 PM on the University of Florida's main campus. They work on their materials for a longer period of time to ensure their preparation for the end-of-semester tournament!
• Competition: Our in-house program is designed to build up our members through internal competition, meaning you will only compete against others in the PLHS In-House program. At the end of the semester, teams will compete in a tournament and are awarded.
In-House vs. Competitive: Which is right for you?