Post Classifieds
Club aims to give students realistic trial experience
By Angel Baird
On March 8, 2012
The lawyers know the case inside and out. They have done their research and are ready to
present before the judge. They have what it takes to win.
The case is made up, of course; all of the "lawyers" have yet to complete their
undergraduate degree. But the competition is very real.
The Mock Trial Club, is a competitive team that travels and takes on other colleges and
institutions in what the American Mock Trial Association calls "trial simulations."
First established at Buffalo State by political science lecturer and current club faculty
advisor, Jon Lines, the Mock Trial Club was requested in 2007 by a new political science
chair, alongside a pre-law program.
"(My goals were) primarily to provide students with a hands-on experience with trial
practice, particularly but not exclusively those who are interested in law school," he
said. "Mock trial is a pretty popular activity nationwide. Students get the opportunity to
learn and apply critical thinking, verbal and analytical skills, and learn how to think on
their feet."
According to Nathan Rey, captain and lead attorney, the club plans on holding "101"
meetings, where the basics of trial procedure will be discussed and explained to those with
a limited background in mock trial.
In competitive trials, two teams compete to win by earning the highest amount of
points. Each team, which is allowed between six and ten members, play the parts of the
prosecution, the defense, and three witnesses in a case that may either be civil or criminal,
as decided by the American Mock Trial Association.
These trials mimic real law practice and trial procedure. Throughout the course of a
competition, which is a two-day process, teams battle one another in a pre-established
case, either civil or criminal.
The case has been rehearsed and practiced in the comfort of their home institution for
months prior to the competition.
"Day 1 of competition is based around a few key events: member registry, an opening
ceremony, pairing of teams at random, a captain's meeting, opening statements, and the
beginning of the trial," said Neil Flaherty, who plays the role of an attorney.
"Day 2 consists of placement and pairing based on the first day's success, a morning and
afternoon trial is done, final scores are calculated, and winners, along with noteworthy
members, are announced."
The winning teams advance through levels starting with optional invitationals, then
moving to regionals and ending with national championships.
Thus far, Buffalo State's Mock Trial Competitive Team has hosted the Great Lakes Regional
Tournament, which was held on campus on Feb. 11 and 12, Rey said. He said it was a
successful regional tournament where individuals with law-related careers judged the
competition.
Lines said the club is currently looking for members who are dedicated, committed,
flexible, and willing to collaborate with others.
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