American Mock Trial Association events are based on a feigned case that alternates from a criminal case one year and a civil case the next.  Cases take place in the fictional state of Midlands.  This jurisdiction comes complete with its own set of procedural rules (i.e., process and evidential) as well as substantive rules of law and court precedent.  The is played by two competing teams who play either the role of plaintiff (or prosecutor) and defense.  Students begin each round of the game with one student from each side presenting an opening argument and then the plaintiff or prosecution calling three witnesses.  Each of these witnesses are crossed examined by the defense.  Once the plaintiff rests, the defense calls its witnesses who are also subject to cross examination.  Resting of the defense cases is followed by closing arguments (these must be presented by one of the two students who did not offer an opening statement.  Attorneys are scored on opening and closing as well as on their direct and cross examinations.  Attorney scores are based on presentation as well as their ability to integrate the substantive, legal and procedural aspects of the case.  Witnesses are scored on their performance under direct and cross examination.