Mock Trial
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About Mock Trial
Benefits
Eligibility
Testimonials
Tournament Cases
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About Mock Trial
The Syracuse University Mock Trial Team provides an excellent introduction to the dynamics of trial advocacy. Students learn how to argue a case, examine and cross examine witnesses, be successful in the rigorous courtroom environment, and forge a coherent team that capitalizes on individual talents. Students also learn the rules of evidence and the logic of legal reasoning. Students gain excellent presentation and critical thinking skills and can earn credit for what former mock trial students have said is an excellent and fun way to learn.
The SU Mock Trial Team is coached by SU alumni trial attorneys and competes in tournaments sponsored by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA). Teams are selected after classes and training in September and tryouts in October. This year, the Syracuse Mock Trial Team is scheduled to compete in invitational competitions at Colgate University in November, Yale University in December, and Cornell University in January. In addition, Syracuse University will host the 4th Finger Lakes Regional Tournament in February 2010. Teams that are successful in the Regional Tounament are eligible to compete in the next level of national competitions in an attempt to make it to the National Championship Tournament to be held in Memphis, Tennessee.
The Syracuse University Mock Trial Team is known across the country as well, having competed in the National Tournament in each of the past five years. In fact, the 2001 Team placed second in the National Championship Tournament, in 2004 the Team placed tenth, and in 2005 two SU teams placed ninth and tenth.
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Benefits
If you participate in Mock Trial, you can benefit by:
• Learning the techniques of trial advocacy by practicing them;
• Competing with other elite schools across the country;
• Learning excellent analytical and presentation skills;
• Evaluating whether a legal career might be right for you;
• Earning course credit.
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Eligibility
Becoming a part of the Mock Trial Program requires dedication and preparation. If competition like this interests you, e-mail iLEARN Director Kandice Salomone. You might also want to visit the American Mock Trial Association Web site.
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Testimonials
Mock Trial is both very rewarding and very demanding. Virtually every member of last year’s team commented that it was the most difficult course they took, and the most rewarding academic experience of their College career—that is, the one they enjoyed the most, and from which they learned the most.
"I have never, at any level of my education, encountered coaches or instructors who are so dedicated to their students and who work as hard as [our coaches].... The quality of the education we receive through the Mock Trial program far surpasses that which we receive in other classes.... The skills learned—public speaking, creative thinking, working as a group, and being able to think on our feet—will not only help us to write a good paper or get an A on an exam, they will help us for the rest of our lives."
— Jessica L. Marsh
"This year we poured in hours upon hours of thought and energy [into Mock Trial]. I enjoyed every minute of it.... The greatest component of the team by far is the Coaches.... Their life lessons are invaluable."
— Priya De Souza
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Tournament Cases
2007-2008
Midlands v. Bobbi Campbell
On November 30, 2006, Child Protective Services worker Don/Dawn Francis arrived at the home of Bobbi Campbell to remove a child from Bobbi’s care. Upon arrival, Francis entered the location and defendant Campbell stabbed Francis with a needle infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. On October 1, 2007, Campbell entered into an Alford plea on the single charge of Assault in the Second Degree and retained the right to a jury sentence recommendation. A penalty phase will now be conducted. The State will present evidence of aggravation and the defense may present evidence of mitigation. The penalty range is five to thirty years.
2006-2007
Jeffrey v. Polk County Police Department
On January 2, 2005, off-duty police officer Jamie Conmey heard a radio dispatch saying that two suspects had just robbed Joe’s Corner Store. While searching the neighborhood, Officer Conmey saw a teenager matching the suspects' description climbing a fence. After the teenager refused to come down from the fence, Officer Conmey shot the teenager in the side. Officer Conmey claims to have seen a gun, though no weapon was found at the scene. The teenager was rushed to the hospital as quickly as possible, where the teenager almost immediately fell into a coma. The teenager was Max Jeffries. Max’s parents, Sean and Leigh Jeffries, filed suit against the Polk County Police Department, alleging that the actions of Officer Conmey, who committed suicide shortly after the incident, and thus the Police Department, deprived Max Jeffries of Jeffries’ constitutional rights to due process of law.
2005-2006
Midlands v. Tyler Perry
On Friday, October 22, 2004, after returning home from a night out with the soccer team, Bailey Reynolds was kidnapped from the Reynolds home. That evening Bailey’s parents, Ryan and Madison Reynolds, were having dinner at the residence of Tyler and K.C. Perry. They had left their three children, Kayla, Spencer, and Bailey with the babysitter. After checking on Bailey around 11:00 PM, the babysitter placed a 911 call to report a possible kidnapping. The police arrived shortly after the call was placed and found the babysitter, Kayla and Spencer in the home. Upon investigation, a ransom note was found in Bailey’s room asking for $250,000. Three days later, Bailey was found in a hotel in a neighboring town. The child was blindfolded and handcuffed to a pipe in the bathroom. Bailey was not physically injured and was returned to the parents. After the police investigation, Tyler Perry was arrested for the kidnapping.
2003-2004
State of Midlands v. Michael W. Harmon
Tony Sturmanis was a rising star in the world of professional hockey. Tragically, he was killed during a playoff game in Midlands City following a fight with Michael Harmon. Harmon was later indicted on three counts of homicide. His wife, Victoria, had recently been romantically linked to Sturmanis. Also, Harmon lost a lucrative contract to Sturmanis just hours before the confrontation during the game.
2002-2003
Lee and Andi Smith v. J.J. Thompson
On February 8, 2002, Derric Smith, a seven-year-old boy, died as a result of allegedly being struck by a vehicle in front of his home in State Center, Midlands. J.J. Thompson, the defendant, is being sued by the parents of Derric Smith for allegedly hitting their son thereby causing his wrongful and untimely death.
2001-2002
State of Midlands v. Ashley T. Thornhill
On the evening of March 15th, 2001, Wendell Tucker, partner at Tucker, Roberts, and Payne, was found dead in his office at the advertising firm - the victim of a gunshot wound to the head. An investigation lead to a grand jury indictment of Ashley Thornhill for murder and the lesser included offenses of manslaughter and negligent homicide. Thornhill, an associate at Tucker, Roberts, and Payne, denies any involvement in the killing.
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