Mock trial

A mock trial (also called moot court) is a contrived or imitation trial. Attorneys preparing for a real trial might use a mock trial consisting of volunteers to test theories or experiment with arguments to try to predict the outcome of the real trial. In a mock trial the rules are often abbreviated in order to focus on particular parts of the trial.

Mock trial is also the name of an extracurricular program in which students participate in contrived or fake trials to learn new skills and compete with each other. Various state bar associations sponsor mock trial competitions for high school students.