Utica University Chosen as a Regional Site for Mock Trial National Championship Tournament

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Utica University Chosen as a Regional Site for Mock Trial National Championship Tournament

“It's a very significant win for the University in that we met all the qualifications and we're among an elite group as you look at some of the other institutions that were chosen.”

The American Mock Trial Association has selected Utica University as a National Championship Tournament regional host site.

The AMTA hosts an annual series of tournaments across the country from February through April to determine a national champion. Utica University will compete against 24 to 30 collegiate mock trial teams on the Utica campus February 13-15, in a four-round tournament, for a bid to the Opening Round Championship Series in March.

Mock trial competitions are simulated trials where students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses to argue a fictional case before a panel of judges, consisting of experienced attorneys and real judges. Competitions require students to develop case strategies, prepare both sides of the argument, and practice public speaking, critical thinking, courtroom argument, courtroom presentation, and storytelling skills. Judges evaluate the performance of the student teams during the competition. Teams are scored on their case presentation, knowledge of the law, and professionalism.

The Utica mock trial team, one of the University’s most consistently active student organizations, competes in national and interstate competitions. The competitions provide students with opportunities to enhance their abilities to communicate effectively and persuasively, develop arguments, prepare a case, and conduct a trial in front of professional court judges and other legal experts.

AMTA tournament competitions are scored by volunteer judges, including sitting and retired judges as well as practicing and retired attorneys.

Utica was one of 32 regional host sites selected, following a rigorous application process. Other host sites include Arizona State University, American University, Boston College, Emory University, University of Wisconsin, University of Virginia, College of William and Mary, Penn State, Brown University, Florida State University, University of Chicago, Claremont McKenna College, University of Oklahoma, University of Tennessee, The Ohio State University, UCLA, Tulane University, and the University of Notre Dame.

Hosting a regional tournament is a marker of distinction, not only Utica’s mock trial team, but for the University and the community.

“It's a very significant win for the University in that we met all the qualifications and we're among an elite group as you look at some of the other institutions that were chosen,” says Bernie Hyman, professor of practice in criminal justice and mock trial advisor. “This is not only a chance for Utica University to shine, but it is an opportunity for the greater Utica area to showcase itself.”

Hyman says planning for the competition is in full swing.

“We’re in touch with the Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, and Onondaga County Bar Associations. We’re recruiting judges and looking for corporate sponsors. We’re talking with hotels and restaurants who want to offer discounts for guests,” he says. “We want to make this tournament the best in the Northeast Region.”

The AMTA National Champion Tournament will be held April 17-19 in Washington, D.C.

For more information, contact Professor Hyman at blhyman@utica.edu.