Mock Trial Team
The American University Mock Trial Team is comprised of undergraduate students from across the University. The Team competes in multiple competitions each year, including intra-team scrimmages, local scrimmages against other colleges and universities, and regional tournaments. Each competition involves a simulated criminal or civil trial during which students play the roles of attorneys and witnesses. The simulated trials closely track "real" trials; the student competitors must prepare and deliver opening and closing statements, prepare witness testimony, conduct direct and cross examinations, and grapple with evidentiary issues. Each trial is evaluated by a panel of experienced attorneys and judges who both judge the trial and evaluate the individual competitors.
Participation on the competitive Mock Trial Team requires considerable commitment. Team members meet at least twice per week throughout the academic year to master trial procedure and the Rules of Evidence prior to competitions. The Team also competes in invitationals and tournaments throughout the school year.
The American University Mock Trial Team is member of the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA), the premier collegiate competitive mock trial organization.
2011 Season Highlights
University of Richmond's Spider Classic:
- 4th and 5th Place Team Finishes
- Best Witness Award (Marianne Johnson)
- Top Attorney Awards (Samantha Sandfort and Will Maner)
Patrick Henry Invitational:
- Top Witness Award (Stephanie Reed)
Coast Guard Invitational:
- 3rd and 5th Place Team Finishes
- Best Plaintiff's Attorney (Sarah McIntosh)
- Top Attorney Awards (Malea Otranto, Amy Whitelaw)
- Top Witness Awards (Will Maner, Aileen George and Marianne Johnson)
AMTA Regional Tournament:
- Top 8 Team finish (earning a spot in the Opening Round National Championship)
- Top witness awards (Marianne Johnson and Eric Fledderman)
- Top attorney award (Samantha Sandfort)
AMTA Opening Round National Championship:
- Top Witness Award (Marianne Johnson)
