Fisher Mock Trial Teams Participate in Regional Competitions

This November, several St. John Fisher University mock trial teams competed in the first annual Buffalo Bullpen competition hosted by the University at Buffalo Mock Trial Association and the Annual Yellowjacket Invitational hosted by the University of Rochester Mock Trial. Both are fellow chapters of the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA).

AMTA, founded in 1985, serves as the governing body for intercollegiate mock trial competition. Through engaging in trial simulations in competition with teams from other institutions, students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, as well as a knowledge of legal practices and procedures. AMTA sponsors regional and national-level competitions and provides interesting and complex case materials for academic use.

Fisher’s A Team competed in both tournaments and members included: Andy Biehn, Savannah Hicks, Donovan Bogue, Maggie Thomas, Jessica Sweet, Maddie Fleck, Sophia O’Neil, Farrel Carey, Grace Mohr, and Eliana Chalmers. The B Team, who participated in the Yellowjacket competition, was comprised of members Claire Pattinson, McKenzie DellaNeve, Bella Haberger, Evan Green, Jadhe Leon, Kasey Longcore, and Nicole Merry. During competition, members take on a variety of roles including defense attorney, prosecutor, and witness.

Competitions consist of four trials in total, two per day. During each trial, three attorneys direct examine three of their school’s witnesses and cross-examine three of the opposing witnesses, as well as give opening and closing statements. They also must object and argue about whether evidence is allowed onto the record based on a complex set of rules. Teams have been working on the case since it was released in mid-August.

In the Buffalo Bullpen Competition, the A Team competed against institutions including the Rochester Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, Ithaca College, and the University of Rochester. The team won the Spirit of AMTA Award, which is given to the team that most represents the values of the AMTA. The winner is chosen annually by peer teams, and is ranked on friendliness and decorum both in round and between rounds.

In the Yellowjacket Invitational, the A Team competed against Ithaca College, University of Connecticut, Georgetown University, and Siena College, while the B Team went up against Kent State University, Dartmouth College, and Syracuse University. Thomas won the award for Best Witness for the character she simulated during the trial, recognized for her presentation of information through her direct and cross examinations.

“Mock trial is something that betters you academically and personally,” said Thomas. “It teaches you how to work alongside a large group of people to create something meaningful that you can be proud of. It makes you feel good about being a part of something bigger than just yourself.”

This year marked the first year with a B Team. According to O’Neil, not only did they continuously prepare throughout the semester, but they also faced two teams in their first competition that went on to win the entire event. She noted that the A Team also worked tirelessly both in and outside of meetings to refine their case, make improvements, and gain a competitive edge before the second week of competition.

“I am genuinely proud of our team’s efforts, particularly those who joined this year without prior mock trial experience and dedicated themselves to assembling a case, often taking on multiple roles in their first year. It is a pleasure to work with such committed and kind individuals, and I look forward to what we can achieve together at regionals,” said O’Neil.

Biehn agreed. “I’m really proud of the performance of our teams, especially the rookies. Mock trial is really difficult even for those with years of experience and this year we had a lot of new members come in and shine. We’re all excited to go compete at the regional tournament.”

AMTA hosts 32 regional tournaments, eight opening round championship tournaments, and a national championship tournament each season with approximately 700 teams from over 400 colleges and universities. In total, AMTA provides a forum for over 7,300 undergraduate students each academic year to engage in intercollegiate mock trial competitions across the country.