Sometimes it’s the star-struck murder-witness janitor who is called to the stand. Other times it’s the very serious death investigator. No matter the role, one thing’s for sure: mock trial is certainly all about getting into a character.

This past Friday, Creighton was home to 26 mock trial teams from around the U.S. The Creighton mock trial team finished in the bottom third. The low ranking was attributed to two team members missing the competition because of outside complications.

Earlier this month, the Creighton mock trial team placed fifth out of 20 in a Kansas tournament.

“We were very successful,” said George McNary, moderator of CU’s mock trial.

Mock trial, in which six to 10 members take on the role of attorneys and witnesses, teaches students to handle stressful situations.

“Although it’s not physical like football or soccer, it takes tremendous mental effort,” McNary said . “You have to learn to think on your feet. It gets to be pretty dynamic as opponents spar with each other.”

John Maschman, Arts & Sciences junior and current mock trial president, enjoys mock trial for several reasons. In addition to preparing him for law school, mock trial serves as an outlet.

“It’s career-focused and also fun,” Maschman said.

“It’s not all work. Our team goes all over the Midwest. Some of the most fun is hanging out in the hotel rooms afterwards, sharing inside jokes from the weekend.”

Since witnesses and attorneys interact with other teams, the structure of the trial is never clear beforehand. “Despite the fact you’re presenting the same case week after week, it’s not clear what others will do.”

The uncertainty, Maschman said, is “Definitely a rush. Some might even say vomit-inducing.”