Mock Trial Team holding information sessions and tryouts in early September

The Ohio University Mock Trial Team is holding information sessions and team tryouts in early September, and OHIO students from all majors are encouraged to participate.

The team competes on a national circuit run by the American Mock Trial Association. Students are given a mock legal case and tasked with preparing a case for both the plaintiff/prosecution and defense angles. The cases are then argued against teams from other universities across the United States, with students taking on the role of attorneys and witnesses. Teams and individuals are then scored by real judges, practicing attorneys, law students, or mock trial alumni based on their presentation of the case.

"Through Mock Trial competitors will learn the basics for argumentation and presenting complex legal arguments in a simulated courtroom experience. The competition gives the chance for students to work with the Federal Rules of Evidence, courtroom etiquette, and legal processes," said Larry Hayman, Esq., the team's advisor and assistant director of the Center for Law, Justice and Culture and in the College of Arts and Sciences.

"Mock trial students also hone their public speaking and critical thinking skills, not to mention having fun and meeting lifelong friends!" Hayman added.

While the program is geared toward those who aspire to be attorneys or work in a legal career, the Ohio University Mock Trial Team has a history of student involvement from all majors and areas of study.

Over the past few seasons, the team has competed both virtually and traveled to regional invitationals. Past competition locations include the Franklin County Courthouse in Columbus, Carnegie Mellon University, and more.

Information Sessions

Information sessions will take place:

• Wednesday, Sept. 7,from 6 to 7 p.m. in Baker 233
• Thursday, Sept. 8, from 6 to 7 p.m. in Baker 233

Hayman and the Executive Board of the Ohio University Mock Trial Team will be on hand to provide information about the program, give demonstrations, and talk about competing in American Mock Trial Association tournaments.

In past seasons, the team has won bids to the Opening Round Championships and had many competitors win outstanding witness and attorney awards. This success has not been limited to the more senior members on the team, as first-time competitors won multiple awards last season.

Tryouts

Tryouts will take place:

• Saturday, Sept. 10, from 1 to 5 p.m. in Baker 233
• Sunday, Sept. 11, from 1 to 5 p.m. in Baker 233.

Students interested in competing for a spot on the team or should these dates be unavailable for hopeful competitors please reach out to the team’s Recruitment Director Riley Sargent at rs182820@ohio.edu.