U of A Mock Trial Hosts First Ever In-Person Invitational

Mary Owens

Competitors from all over the country gather for the tournament's closing ceremonies.

Normally, when U of A mock trial students compete, they travel to university campuses across the nation. And with competitions anywhere from Atlanta, Georgia, to Arlington, Texas, they're used to a long drive. But this past weekend was different. The U of A hosted its first in-person tournament at the Arkansas Law School, and just shy of 10 universities from Missouri, Louisiana and Kentucky attended. Upwards of 80 students from across the U.S. had a chance to argue a case inside the Arkansas Law School and explore Fayetteville in the meantime. 

Behind the scenes was none other than Jacinda Montgomery, president of Undergraduate Mock Trial at the U of A. She said this goal has transcended her time in office, and she's thrilled with how everything came together. Montgomery ensured all of the wheels were turning over the weekend, managing everything from score tabulations to judge recruitment. 

Along with Montgomery, several other members of the program including Luke Hubbard, Mary Owens, Maddie Gwinner, Piper Harris, Daisy Rehbock, Jared Presley, Zoee Simpson, Lex Beck, Mariam Abboud, Charis Morash and Bryton Miller each did their part to keep the weeknd running smoothly. Students learned how to tabulate scores quickly and effectively, how to train and release judges, and how to bailiff a trial. 

Those not mentioned above were likely competing on one of two Arkansas trial teams that went head-to-head with their Midwestern rivals last weekend. Katie Harden had an incredible showing as a witness with 15 ranks on the prosecution, and Sarah Waller continued Arkansas' impressive streak with 18 ranks on the prosecution. 

Make sure to congratulate all of our members for their great work if you see them on campus! They're working hard to represent the U of A well. 

The U of A Mock Trial team is a trial simulation-based RSO that competes in tournaments across the nation. Tryouts are held at the beginning of the fall semester. Reach out to the listed contact for more information.