History
Through engaging in trial simulations in competition with teams from other institutions, students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, as well as a knowledge of legal practices and procedures. AMTA sponsors regional and national-level competitions, as well as providing interesting and complex case materials for academic use.
Presently, AMTA hosts 32 regional tournaments, eight opening round championship tournaments and a national championship tournament each season. Approximately 700 teams from over 400 universities and colleges will compete in these tournaments. In total, AMTA provides a forum for over 7,300 undergraduate students each academic year to engage in intercollegiate mock trial competitions across the country.
Timeline
1985
AMTA was founded by Dean Richard Calkins of Drake Law School.
First National Championship
AMTA hosted its inaugural national championship tournament, setting the foundation for future standardized competitions.
1990 – 2000
Expansion of Regional Tournaments
The association expanded its reach, creating multiple regional tournaments to accommodate growing participation from colleges nationwide.
2001 – 2020
Standardized Case Materials Introduced
AMTA implemented standardized case materials and rules, ensuring fair competition and consistency across all tournaments.
2020 – 2025
Today, AMTA includes hundreds of universities and thousands of students, serving as the primary organization for collegiate mock trial in the U.S., with regional, opening-round, and national championship tournaments each season.
