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Mock Trial Board Hilary Competitions

Mock Trial Board Hilary Competitions
March 17, 2013
 

By: Joelyssa Ferringer

Guest Writer
 
The Mock Trial Board hosts at least two competitions each term. This term the board hosted the First Year Competition and the Evidence Competition. The First Year Competition was held February 23, 2013.  Thirteen teams competed. Dean Lisa Halushka presided as our special-guest judge for the final round. The problem was written by the Mock Trial Board Competitions Chair, Christos Moutousis. It was a classic case of copycat murder.
 
The First Year Competition is held every term. It is open to all students who are not enrolled in and have not completed Evidence. Students compete in teams of two and must provide their own witnesses. Students may act as the witness for their partner or may ask another person to act as a witness. The Rules of Evidence are not used; however, some guidance regarding demeanor is provided for the flow of the trial. This gives the students a great opportunity to step into the shoes of a litigator.
The final round was between Elena Djordjeski and George Fernandes, and the team of Jared Shultz and Steven Braun. Elena Djordjeski and George Fernandes won the final round.
 
 
The Evidence Competition was held March 8, 2013. Eight students competed, and Josh Van Laan, a prosecutor from Macomb County, presided as the final round judge. Interim Chair Justin Zink and Interim Competitions Chair, Mitch Manwell wrote the evidence problem. Felony murder was the name of the game for this problem. The Evidence Competition is also held every term. Students who are enrolled in or have completed Evidence, or are enrolled in Trial Skills but have not completed the course may compete. Students who are (or who have previously been) on the National Trial team or have previously advanced to the advancement rounds of ISC or to the quarterfinals in the EC may not compete. Students who compete individually must provide their own witnesses and the Rules of Evidence apply.
 
Fotini Karamouzis and Ashley Slaght were this year’s two finalists. Interestingly, Fotini and Ashley were partners during their First Year Competition a few terms ago. Putting their friendship aside, Fotini and Ashley clashed head-to-head in an epic intellectual battle where only one could be a winner. After being burned by Fotini’s relentless arguments and flawless reasoning, Ashley finally caught fire and emerged victorious like a phoenix rising from the ashes.
 
Even if you think you do not want to be a litigator, it is still a great idea to compete. Dean Halushka stated that “[a]ll lawyers, whether trial lawyers or not, must be able to convert a set of facts into a persuasive argument in favor of their client. Lawyers are also expected to know how to respond to changing factual and legal circumstances on the fly. Students who participate in Mock Trial competitions are trained on their feet in both of these important skills, and will be far ahead of their peers when competing for legal positions in the work place.”
 
More information can be found at the Auburn Hills Student Organization's website.
 

Hilary 2013 Mock Trial Board and Committee

B. Brown, A. Slaght, J. Zink, K. Guernsey, E. Djordjeski, A. Ulisse, F. Karamouzis, A. Gallagher, N. Somberg, L. DeSanto, C. Moutousis, and J. Ferringer

 

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