Two Mock Trial teams from Howard Payne University recently competed at a regional tournament at The University of Texas at Dallas, bringing home awards for top witness and top attorney. This was HPU’s second full year of competition and third appearance at regionals. Mock Trial is a simulation of trial court cases. Students are given a hypothetical case to argue, and they must prepare a case strategy, learn case law, and memorize affidavits and testimony to effectively ask and answer questions. In order to be successful, the team spends hours rehearsing their arguments, preparing questions and answers for witnesses, and utilizing the rules of evidence. Participation in Mock Trial helps prepare students for careers in a variety of fields, including law, criminal justice, forensic science and even theatre. At the regional tournament, each team competes in four rounds, representing first the plaintiff and then the defense. Teams include students acting as attorneys and witnesses, and each round is a full trial against a competing team. Rounds take approximately three hours and are judged by real-life judges and lawyers. Awards are given to the top witnesses, attorneys and teams.