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Spotlight on Organizations: KU Mock Trial

By Courtney Bullis

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

KU Mock Trial is an organization in which members compete with students from other universities in full-length trial simulations.

These cases help students gain the ability to develop critical thinking skills and become well versed in real-world legal procedures, Lauren Beebe, Overland Park junior, said.

Branden Bell, Mock Trial coach said students participated on teams made up of three attorneys and three witnesses.

“The attorneys direct and cross-examine witnesses, make objections, opening statements and closing statements,” Bell said.

According to the KU Mock Trial Web site, Mock Trial at the University began in 1997, and the group has been to the American Mock Trial Association’s national tournament every year but one.

Currently, there are about 20 student team members. These students practice year round to compete in nationwide competitions.

Each tournament has four rounds, lasting three hours each. During these tournaments, students learn proper courtroom decorum.

To better prepare, first semester is dedicated to learning and practicing for the case. Second semester the team attends tournaments across the country. Throughout the year, practices are held twice a week, but team members spend extra time working outside of practices.

“At the beginning of the semester, you have to spend more time outside of practices to learn the material, but once tournaments start, you don’t have to dedicate as much time outside of tournament travel,” Beebe said.

This weekend the Mock Trial team will be traveling to Iowa to compete.

Other trips include UCLA and Arizona. Erica Williams, Mock Trial president, said there were also many regional invitations every year.

Mock Trial is a student-run organization and is open to everyone. Some students, such as Williams, have experience in high school debate and forensics, but that is not a requirement. Bell said no prior experience was needed to join the team.

“Mock Trial prepares students to think quickly, logically and critically, which has endless applications.” Bell said.

Williams said what she had learned from Mock Trial was helpful in many ways.

“I have learned to speak better in front of a lot of people,” Williams said. “It has definitely helped in building confidence speaking and being able to think more spontaneously.”

To become involved, students can contact Williams at shawtys16@yahoo.com or visit the group’s Web site.

— Edited by Lauren Cunningham

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