1. Presentation for Judges

2. What is this Competition?
Simulation of criminal jury trial
Students portray attorneys and witnesses
School identities remain anonymous until after the trial
Fictitious jurisdiction of Midlands
Midlands has its own case law
Midlands has its own statutes
Midlands has its own rules of evidence (that closely mirror the FREs)
Midlands is a standing jurisdiction (students are encouraged to use the well during examinations)

3. This Year’s Case: State of Midlands v. Dylan Hendricks
Summary: Hendricks, who was allegedly having an affair with Carmen Bell-Leon, is charged with the attempted murder of Carmen’s spouse, Kerry Bell-Leon
Witness selection will vary from round to round
The defendant has no affidavit and testimony may vary substantially from round to round
All constitutional issues waived; once called, no witness may “take the Fifth”

4. What is your role?
You are here to “judge” the competition. You will do so in panels of two or more
Judges fill three roles:
Preside over the trial (one person per round)
Score the trial (two people per round)
Provide feedback (everyone)
Reach a verdict

5. Trial Outline AMTA trials consist of:
Pre-trial matters (including introductions)
Opening statements
Prosecution case-in-chief (three witnesses)
Customary break (5-7 min.)
Defense case-in-chief (three witnesses)
Customary (but not mandatory) break (2–5 min.)
Closing arguments (including rebuttal)

6. Timekeeping One student on each team keeps time
The trial has a 3-hour time limit
Opening statements, examinations, and closing arguments are timed
Objections are “off the clock”
Students will inform presider of time limits
Please enforce time limits when asked

7. Trial Rules Both teams MUST: There are: Both teams MAY:
Present opening statements at the start of trial
Cross-examine all witnesses called
Both teams MAY:
Use costuming for witnesses
Use demonstratives
There are:
NO objections to openings or closings
NO motions in limine, for a directed verdict, or mistrial
NO scope limitations on cross-examination (but scope is limited on re-direct and re-cross examination)
NO requirements that expert witnesses be tendered
NO binding federal precedents, though there is Midlands case law that the competitors will inform you of if necessary
NO restrictions on observers (all trials are public)

8. Presiding Over the Trial
One judge will preside and act as the trial judge
Please rule based only on actual arguments in court
If in doubt, err on the side of admitting evidence
NO questions or objections from the judge
Please allow competitors to argue substantive objections at least once per side
Midlands rules may differ from ones with which you’re familiar
Scoring judges need to evaluate the competitors
That said, please keep the trial moving

9. Scoring the Trial
Two judges score the trial using this blue (carbon paper) ballot
Ballots will be in the courtroom
Write your name on all pages
Teams receive copies

10. Scoring the Trial Left = plaintiff/prosecution Right = defense
Score 1-10
Higher = better
Use whole numbers (fractions/decimals will be disregarded)

11. Scoring the Trial Score as the trial proceeds Score on your own
Do not wait until the end of the round
4 scores each time a witness testifies
Score on your own
Do not collaborate
Please write legibly

12. Scoring the Trial SEPARATE scores for: NO SEPARATE scores for:
Openings
Directs (witness & attorney)
Crosses (witness & attorney)
Closings
NO SEPARATE scores for:
Pre-trial matters
Re-directs
Re-crosses
Objections
Prosecution rebuttal

13. Scoring the Trial Score differences between teams
Scale doesn’t matter, just be internally consistent
Point differential is what matters

14. Scoring the Trial
At the end of the round, please rank the top four attorneys and four witnesses
Names are on the comment sheets
Circle “P” or “D”

15. Scoring the Trial NO “invention of fact” objection
Only recourse: opposing counsel must impeach
Teams may NOT invent material facts on direct
Opposing counsel should impeach by contradiction or omission
Success or failure of impeachment is your call
If the impeachment is successful, please reflect that in your score by
Penalizing the violating team, rewarding the impeaching team, or do both

16. Commenting All scoring judges receive FOUR carbon paper comment sheets
Write your name on every page
Students fill out their names, roles, and team code
Use that information to select the top 4 witnesses & attorneys

17. Commenting There are blanks to write comments on all parts
Non-shaded boxes are for plaintiff or prosecution parts
Shaded boxes are for defense parts

18. Commenting Students get copies of written comments
After the trial, please provide verbal feedback
Please strive for no more than 10 minutes combined

19. AMTA Representatives Ensure that all rules are followed
May enter the courtroom to inform you of time limit issues
Please follow their instructions
May enter the courtroom to resolve a conflict brought to their attention by students

20. In Summation Presiding Scoring Commenting
Let students argue (once or twice), then make a ruling
Listen to time limitations students bring to your attention
Scoring
Score on performance, not on merits of the case
Score as the trial proceeds, not at the end
Be internally consistent
Fill in all blanks on blue score sheet legibly
Commenting
Teams value your individual written comments
Verbal feedback should last 10 minutes or less for the combined judging panel

21. What happens next? You will be assigned to a judging panel
The presider’s name will be called first
You will be assigned to a room
If you have already judged one of the teams at this tournament during this weekend, please do not begin the trial and do let us know of the potential conflict
If you are affiliated with a team in that room (e.g. your child is on the team), please do not begin the trial and do let us know of the potential conflict

22. Thank You