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.
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