In mock trial competition, students conduct research and act out the roles of attorneys and witnesses on a case that is given to them at the beginning of the season. This year’s case involved the kidnapping of a thirteen year old child. The defendant in the case has a spouse who is dying of cancer and needs experimental surgery that insurance won’t pay for. The defendant is also the employee of one of the kidnapped victim’s parents. Each trial consists of opening statements, three witnesses for each side, and closing arguments. Teams are evaluated based on their effectiveness as attorneys and witnesses. Individual awards are also given to the top ten attorneys and witnesses at each tournament. In the regional qualifying tournament, Josh Rinker won an Outstanding Attorney Award.

The team is coached by Mick Hall ('89 Political Science), Adjunct Professor of Politics and Government; David Weiden, Assistant Professor of Politics and Government; Scott Kording ('02 Political Science), Adjunct Professor of Politics and Government; and Barry Tolchin ('04 Political Science), graduate student in Politics and Government.

Students competing in the National Championship Tournament are co-captains Josh Rinker, senior political science major and Abisola Adekoya, junior English major; Jenny Cox; Jon Mikrut, junior political science major; Tess Green, sophomore political science major; Jake Beier, senior polical science major; Jeannie LaBarbara, senior political science major; and Marie Guillo, sophomore political science major. Other team members include Ben Brockschmidt, senior political science major; Dusty Evernden, junior political science major; Dana Fogarty, junior political science major; Rebecca Lovitt, senior finance major; Christina Morrison, senior political science major; Thomas Myers, senior management major; Melissa Parker; and Scott Ziegler, senior political science major.