Mock Trial Team Headed to Regional Competition in February

Ohio University Mock Trial Team after the Scarlet & Gray Invitational Tournament in October 2016.

The Ohio University Mock Trial Team  has been assigned to compete in a regional tournament of the American Mock Trial Association in Columbus, Ohio, on Feb. 11-12, 2017.

The competition will take place at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.  This is the team’s second consecutive year competing in the regional tournaments.

For purposes of competition, the Ohio University Mock Trial Team is divided into two teams of 10 students each—the Green Team and the White Team. Students are assigned the role of attorney, fact or expert witness, or both attorney and witness. Attorneys are required to develop case theory and strategy, write and deliver opening statements, direct and cross examine witnesses, and deliver closing arguments. Attorneys are evaluated on their legal arguments and presentation as well as their knowledge of the rules of evidence and governing case law. Witnesses, however, must develop a role within the case and create a character to support that role. Witnesses are evaluated based character development and presentation.

The team has been preparing for competition since September, with weekly practices, workshops, and participation in invitationals. Each team will be required to litigate four trials in Columbus—two as plaintiff and two as defense. In Columbus, the team will compete against other schools assigned to that tournament, including the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, the Ohio State University, Case Western University, Miami University, University of Cincinnati, Purdue University, and others.

Through competition, practice, meetings, and lectures, Mock Trial provides students with a rewarding co-curricular learning experience that better prepares them for professional careers.  The organization is selective, and students are required to tryout at the beginning of each fall semester.

Winning teams from each regional tournaments will advance to the Opening Round Championship Series in March. OHIO advanced one team last year, being the only first-year team in the nation to do so.

The team is coached by Ohio University Pre-Law Specialist Larry Hayman of the Center for Law, Justice & Culture and Ohio University Associate General Counsel Grant Garber.