Minneapple Mock Trial Tournament

Judging Tips

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Judging Tips (Presiding Judge):

  • KEEP THE TRIAL MOVING!
  • OBJECTIONS:
    • MOCK TRIAL RULES: “While objections to the foundation and relevance of testimony and exhibits should be made and fully argued, the parties jointly move the Court to apply a reasonably inclusive standard for admissibility.” 
    • Let students argue once or twice, then make a ruling.  If you hear the same argument twice, it’s time to rule. 
    • Do not make incorrect rulings to “see how a team would handle it.”
    • When in doubt, let it in. 

Judging Tips (Presiding & Scoring Judge):

  • SCORE AS YOU GO. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SCORE FROM NOTES AFTER THE TRIAL.
  • Fill out the printed backup ballot too (just in case there is an issue with the digital ballot).
    • Score based on PERFORMANCE, not the merits of the case. 
    • Point differential matters!  Be internally consistent.
    • Tip:  Give a range of scores (e.g, give the full range of 5-9). DO NOT GIVE A 1, 2, 3 OR 4. 
    • After the round: 
      • Select the best performer from each team on your ballot. 
  • MAKE SURE YOU SPELL THE NAME CORRECTLY (LOOK AT THE SPELLING ON THE ROSTER)
      • Put STUDENT Names (e.g., put Elise Gort, not Ardi Ramidus)
      • Submit your ballot. 
      • You can have a copy of the ballot emailed to you if you would like to refer to your comments.
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