College of Law News
Mock trial team looks to local competition
November 12, 2008
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Video: Click here to view a video about the program via iTunesU
Beginning Nov. 21, a mock trial team from the Georgia State University College of Law Student Trial Lawyers Association will compete in the William Daniel National Mock Trial Invitational against 17 other teams from law schools across the country. The competition, named for the late Fulton County Superior Court Judge William W. Daniel, is hosted by the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia. It will be the last competition of the fall, which has seen mock trial teams grab two second-place finishes in national meets, and one student, Chris Gill, take a "Best Advocate" award. "The students have worked very hard and had to give up their nights and weekends to practice and compete," said Mock Trial Director Tom Jones, an adjunct law professor and former long-time prosecutor. "They did well in the competitions but more importantly they have learned how to try a case in a professional manner," he said. The mock trial program allows law students to gain courtroom experience while still in school. Kevin Mitchell, 24, a third-year law student, is president of the STLA, and will compete in the William Daniel meet, held each year at the Fulton County Courthouse. He says the mock trial program requires students to think on their feet and makes them better public speakers. "It's a great way to supplement your evidence courses and litigation courses at Georgia State," said Mitchell. "It takes it to the next level." This year, Georgia State mock trial teams have taken second-place titles at the National Trial Advocacy Mock Trial Competition at Michigan State University and the Quinnipiac University School of Law Criminal Justice Trial Advocacy Competition in Connecticut. Last year, a Georgia State team took a national trophy in the 17th Annual Cathy Bennett National Student Trial Competition in Key West, Fla. Second- and third-year law students are eligible to try out for the mock trial program at Georgia State. Mitchell said this year nearly 100 students sought the 33 spots. Students participating in the William Daniel competition include Mitchell, Lisamarie Bristol, Kylene Farmer, John Early, Phillip Hussey and Shannon McNulty. Contact: Michael Davis |
ATLANTA-For weeks, a six-person Georgia State University mock trial team has been preparing for one competition. The team has spent evenings and weekends preparing arguments and scrimmaging against coaches. 