Mock Trial

Mock trial is an academic activity designed to challenge those who are interested in law, debate, or other forms of forensics. Students are divided into teams and given a court case, which they must try as both the prosecution and the defense. Places on the team include both witness and attorney roles. For students considering law as a career, mock trial provides an intense introduction to the adversarial method, diligent preparation, critical argument and organizational skill that are considered essential parts of the attorney's skillset. Though mock trial is often portrayed as a strictly pre-professional activity, the UNH Mock Trial Program emphasizes its value as a hands-on learning experience that allows students to become skilled public speakers, nimble thinkers and experienced team builders that benefit participants whether or not they later choose a career in law.

In 2008-2009, as in previous years, some of the most successful team members have been Political Science majors:

Danielle Barsky, who studied in Budapest in the fall, rejoined the team for the spring semester and presented especially effective closing arguments for her team.
Katie D'Addio participated throughout the year and became one of her team's mainstays; she is emerging as a true leader on the team.
Amy Drever played a number of important roles on her team and participated in the team that went to the Memphis National Tournament.
Randy Lawrence-Hurt, in his first year of competition as an attorney presented closing argument for his (Plaintiff side) team, and came in 5th out of all the student attorneys (approximately 288) taking part in the Memphis National Tournament. Randy is profoundly gifted at this activity and became an acknowledged natural leader on his team.
Connor McDonough caught the mock trial "bug" this year and has developed into a highly effective witness and attorney.
Kerry McHugh, a newcomer, developed critical strategic insights for her team and became a "quiet force" to be respected in competition.
Bryan Noonan played a leadership role on his team throughout the year and had what I expect to be a "breakout" performance at the AMTA Boston Regional Tournament in February.
Molly Sullivan a novice college "mocker" used her high school experience in this activity to make an immediate contribution to the program. She competed on two different teams this year, demonstrating great confidence, commitment and poise in all of her performances.
Brian Thorn, also a newcomer, finished the year as a "closer" for his (Defense side) team at the national tournament. Like Amy and Kerry, he is headed for Budapest in the fall, but I cling to the hope that all three will return to the team when their wanderings are finished.

The program is looking for smart, diligent, team-oriented students for next fall's teams. If interested, contact Charles Putnam.

For more information about Mock Trial, visit the Mock Trial website in the Justice Studies program.