Stetson Young Scholars Pre-Law Camps
Thinking about becoming a lawyer? No experience necessary!
Prepare and deliver arguments with and against experienced trial attorneys and other students in front of actual trial judges in matches designed to develop your trial skills.
Have dinner with attorneys and pre-law students making contacts to prepare for your future career.
Learn the ins and outs of public speaking and logical evidence.
The Stetson Undergraduate Mock Trial Team has enjoyed much success in the last decade and has traveled all over the country competing and placing in various tournaments. The Mock Trial team has enjoyed the benefits of the Stetson College of Law School Trial Team, which has been and remains established as the leading trial team in the nation. The faculty advisor of the Pre-Law program and members of the Stetson Undergraduate Mock Trial Team are excited to host these camps to encourage experienced high school mock "trial-ers" and first-timers alike to develop their trial, debate and speaking skills. Your level of participation will be optional, but learning will be inevitable.
These camps are intensely academic. Students will be working with a retired lawyer and student leaders/educators from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. every day, with follow-up work in the evenings. Time will be structured up until a designated hour for lights-out, and students will be expected to remain on campus and follow a code of conduct while participating.
Camps
The mock trial summer camp is designed to teach students about trials in the United States. Students will learn about civil procedure during Mock Trial 1 or criminal procedure during Mock Trial 2. Students will learn about pre-trial discovery, pre-trial motions, and the effect of party pre-trial stipulations as well. Students will learn how to use the Federal Evidence Code and presentation skills to learn how to make a good opening statement. They will learn the art of direct and cross-examination (including entering evidence) and then finally how to create a strong closing argument that will give them the best chance of winning over the minds of their judge(s). They will learn all these things primarily through their own experience (by doing them). The course cap for each session is 15 students.
“We can appeal!” Moot Court participants argue a fictional appeal of a final trial court decision. After hearing a court decision on a case, they will interpret a factual packet (with the facts, some of the relevant law, and the procedural posture of the case), review the provided law, prepare short written briefs, and prepare oral arguments challenging the court decision. Most scenarios will place the argument issues in an area of law that is unsettled and has been developing in recent times. Each team must be able to argue both sides of the appeal. It is an intense week filled with hard but rewarding work designed to help students learn to be able to construct cogent, well-documented arguments quickly, thereby building their confidence in the courtroom, the classroom and everyday life. The course cap is 15 students.
- Pen and paper
- Courtroom attire for one day (suit)
- Laptops are optional
This is a 5-day overnight camp. Stetson University does not provide linens, towels or toiletries. Please remember to bring the following and anything else that will make your stay even more enjoyable.
- Pillow(s)
- Sheets (Twin XL) – You can bring a sleeping bag if you would like
- Blanket
- Towels
- Washcloth
- Toiletries (Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)
- Shower shoes (if you desire)
- Medications
- Glasses/contacts, solutions, and a case for contacts
- Laundry soap (If you are going to be staying for an extended period of time, there are washers and dryers available free of cost. You must provide your own laundry soap).
Register for 2025 Pre-Law Summer Camps
Overnight Camp Cost:
$1,000
A $100 NON-REFUNDABLE registration fee is required at the time of registration. Payment is due in full 4 weeks prior to when the camp begins. Failure to pay in full by the deadline will result in the cancellation of your registration.
Need-based scholarships are available. Please contact [email protected] to find out more.
Payments can be made online or over the phone. For more information, please contact Stetson Young Scholars at
386-822-7951 or [email protected]