A competitive atmosphere filled Classroom Building over the weekend, as over 200 students
from 16 different schools across the country filed in for an annual competition.
Buffalo State hosted the American Mock Trial Association’s 2013 Great Lakes Regional
Tournament Saturday and Sunday. Teams from each school simulate a hypothetical court
case with a plaintiff, defense, three attorneys and three witnesses. The teams go through a trial
process, including both direct- and cross-examinations of each witness and opening and closing
statements. Each team’s performance throughout the trial process was scored by judges.
Jon Lines, tournament director, said that of the 23 teams that participated, only seven made it
past the regional qualifier to go on to the next round in Ohio. Buffalo State’s team was not one
of them.
“We’ll have a review of this, look at the comments and scores and see where we need to
improve,” Lines said.
Kelly Boos, assistant to Lines in coordinating the tournament, said students were recognized for
improvements during the tournament.
“When students reviewed scores after each round, they looked at team performance, but also
individual achievements,” she said. “One team in particular was elated for a member who
received strong marks and favorable comments as an attorney. This was significant because
the attorney was an international student and his team celebrated how much his speaking skills
had improved.”
The Buffalo State team starts preparation for the annual February tournament in the fall
semester, giving students enough time to review the case, said Lines. Students from all majors
are welcome to join the team.
Sophomore biology major Safia Hosein said it was her second year being part of Buffalo
State’s mock trial team. She said a weekend of friendly competition with other schools as well
as showcasing the five months of hard work put in by the team are exciting aspects of the
tournament.
“The competition judges consist of local lawyers, law students and judges and they are
always impressed by the quality of the competition and the level of knowledge we display as
undergraduates,” she said. “Honestly, the best part of mock trial has been the bond between all
the teammates that has developed. It’s a true testament to our dedication and desire to do well.”
Lines said in addition to deferring some of the cost of hosting this year’s tournament, Buffalo
State was also able to provide food for their competitors, thanks to a $5,000 gift from Phillips
Lytle, a local law firm.
Kenneth Manning, a partner at Phillips Lytle, said in a press release, “Many of the future leaders
in our country, both in private business and the public sector, will be coming from this type of
competition. It gives them a better understanding of the judicial branch.”
Lines said he was thankful for the generosity of Phillips Lytle.
“From my understanding of it, it’s an ongoing gift,” he said. “They’re going to do this every year
so long as we’re hosting the tournament, so that’s very generous of them.”
Although Buffalo State did not make it to the next round in Ohio, Boos said the experience still
carries with it some value.
“I think it is a valuable experience for students to work closely in teams and compete with like
minded students from other institutions,” she said. “The camaraderie was obvious all weekend.”
Katie Anderson can be reached by email anderson.record@live.com.