Real trials revolve around facts. They must be able to understand the expert, regard the expert's testimony as supporting the lawyer's theory of the case, and regard t he expert as knowledgeable and truthful. Otherwise all can be lost.
Mock trials are no longer classroom-only exercises.
They are increasingly being used, sometimes well in advance of an actual trial, to help parties assess strategy, determine the manner of presentation of the cases, and evaluate settlement as an alternative to litigation. The mock jury's members often are asked to complete questionnaires about each witness so that the lawyers can gain insight as to how real jurors at an actual trial may react. Attorneys often share the mock jurors' reactions directly with the experts because they have found that the mock jurors' comments can have a major impact on how well the expert later presents testimony at trial. What the mock jury says about an expert witness often carries more weight with the witness than all the words and warnings that the attorney can give. If you are to be an expert, you should welcome the opportunity to participate in a mock trial.