The Benefits of Mock Trial

Before my older brother participated in it, I had no idea what mock trial was. After watching a few of his trials, I became extremely interested in the activity. Before starting my first year, I was unaware of the academic benefits that also are included in mock trial. There are three main elements of academic advantage that mock trial offers, thinking quickly and on your feet, analyzing situations from different perspective, and a large benefit in public speaking. These three elements are very helpful and applicable to other school subjects.
The first aspect of intellectual benefit is the ability to think fast. This skill is imperative to all roles, lawyer and witness. For lawyers, it is necessary in order to create the best possible outcome of either a good or a bad situation. For example, if a witness answers unexpectedly in a negative way for their team, it is important that the lawyer approach the rare opportunity with careful thought, and not rush it without adequate contemplation. For witnesses, it is exactly the opposite. If a lawyer makes a mistake, or allows room for a witness to get out themes, or extrapolate, he/she must think quickly as to what to say. No matter what your role is, mock trial helps your ability to think quickly and accurately.
Additionally, the second point of academic advantage is the ability to analyze situations and concepts from different angles and options. This skill is also both shared by lawyers and witnesses and essential to success. For witnesses, it is important that they develop this skill, because they must analyze their witness statements, and develop answers to difficult cross themes. Furthermore, for lawyers, they must think outside the box and analyze the witness statements in order to expose the witnesses weaknesses.
The third and final academic skill that is benefited is public speaking. Although this skill is much more beneficial fir the lawyers, witnesses do get some benefit from mock trail in public speaking as well. This is because lawyers have opening and closing statements to practice their public speaking skills, while witnesses only have their testimony. Lawyers generally benefit much more in all skills, because their role is more intensive than witnesses, but regardless or your role, mock trial benefits in all the areas outlined.