The American Mock Trial Association National Championship Tournament returns to Des Moines, Iowa, April 17-19, 2009. The top 48 college mock trial teams (of more than 500 from around the country) will spend the weekend competing at the Polk County Courthouse and the Hotel Fort Des Moines.

This year’s tournament features a civil case involving defamation. No previous mock trial or real courtroom experience is required to judge. A brief judges’ training session precedes each round of competition.

Judges’ Meetings will begin at the following times:

Round 1 - Friday April 17, 2009: 6:00 PM

Round 2 - Saturday April 18, 2009: 9:00 AM

Round 3 - Saturday April 18, 2009: 2:00 PM

Round 4 - Sunday April 19, 2009: 9:00 AM

Please email AMTA President-Elect David Nelmark at dwnelmark@belinlaw.com or fax him at 515-558-0671 to let him know which rounds you can judge or to ask any questions you may have.