Students Have Hands-On Learning Opportunity Before Real Judge
The Wilmington College Mock Trial Team tried a simulated jury trial this week in the Clinton County Common Pleas Courtroom before Judge Tim Rudduck.
The team, which consisted of two plaintiff’s lawyers, two defense lawyers and four witnesses –— all Wilmington College students — performed the trial before a jury of family, friends and Mock Trial Team alumni, who today are practicing attorneys.
PICTURED: Although a mock trial, the courtroom scenario looks authentic as students assume roles for the plaintiff and the defense.
Students gave opening statements and closing arguments, questioned witnesses and argued evidentiary issues in the civil negligence case. They were recognized during an awards ceremony and dinner following the trial.
The spring 2019 Mock Trial team consisted of: Jayme Mabry, Shelbi Mays, Parker Gunkel, Kelly Johnson and Anton Berglund. Keni Brown, Lindsay Burton and Sam Stanley served as witnesses during the trial exercise. Katie Wright, assistant professor of criminal justice, coached the team with assistance from Dr. Paul Moke, professor of criminal justice and political science.
“I am so proud of these students and the trial skills they’ve developed this semester,” Wright said. “They demonstrated skills in oral advocacy, problem-solving, evidentiary issues and eliciting testimony — not to mention the courage to stand up to the podium in a real courtroom in front of a real judge.
“We call these lawyering skills, but in reality they are skills that will serve these students well regardless of the career path they choose.”
Wright thanked Judge Rudduck for his support of the program, as well as the jury members and Moke, founder of the Mock Trial Team at WC, who “provided valuable advice and support throughout the semester.“
Students interested in joining the Fall 2019/Spring 2020 Mock Trial Team should contact the professor/coach at katie_wright@wilmington.edu.
