Mock Trial Class

A student cross-examines the Phantom of the Opera in one of the Mock Trial class' "fun" trial scenarios.

One of the special topics courses, Mock Trial, was instituted during the Summer term of 1995. This course was created by Program Director Edwards who continues to teach the course at the present time. This course was endowed by the law firm of Coker, Myers, Schickel, Sorenson & Higginbotham, P.A. Howard Coker is a past president of the Florida Bar.

Students learn the fundamentals of trial techniques and strategy by active participation in mock trials. The examination of witnesses provides students with opportunities to practice direct and cross-examination skills acquired during the course. Students form into teams of lawyers, witnesses, and assistants, and compete against each other.

Students in another one of Mock Trial class' "fun" trial scenarios. Here, three student- attorneys prepared the defense of Defendant Brace Beemer, accused of assaulting the Lone Ranger. Greg Blackwell (L) and Marsha McCoy (R) both graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law.

These state-of-the-art courses, co-designed by academicians and lawyers, will help the student understand the human institutions and values with which the law deals. They will introduce them to contemporary social issues, which will present challenges to the lawyers of tomorrow. The accompanying lecture series, open to the general public, will bring renowned legal consultants, jurists, and law professors to campus. In the future, members of the local judicial and legal community will be scheduled to teach Professional Ethics.

During the summer of 2006 the mock trial class presented a civil trial, "The Lone Ranger vs. Brace

Student attorneys prepare to commence Lone Ranger Trial.

Beemer." Teams of three student-attorneys presented the plaintiff's case for damages suffered by the masked man, while another team of three student-attorneys represented a poker-playing defendant.

Numerous student-witnesses testified for each side about what they observed inside "The New Republic Cafe," where the Lone Ranger and Tonto had stopped off for a quick bite after a hard day's ride on the range. Beemer, observing a masked man packing six shooters, accompanied by an Indian, walk into the establishment. He became enraged and approaching the two from behind, crashed a whiskey bottle over the head of the crime fighter.

"Attorney" Wes Page cross-examines a plaintiff's witness for the defense. Page will start Law School in the Fall.

Three New Republic Second Floor Dance Hall Girls prior to testifying for the defense.

Real Circuit Court Judge Gregg McCaulie presided over the trial. Here he congratulates the Lone Ranger and Tonto for a job well done.

Lone Ranger trial participants pose with the judge.

Circuit Court Judge Peter Frefield and County Court Judge Eleni Derke have addressed the opening session of each Mock Trial class for the past eight years.

Local attorney Paul Eaken is another regular speaker at the Mock Trial class. He discusses the development of a law practice.

The 2007 Mock Trial Class enjoys hearing from a variety of guest speakers.

Padraig McCoid testifies as Robin before Circiut Court Judge Gregg McCaulie during the June 2007 trial of Batman.

Some students from the 2007 Mock Trial Class conducted the trial of Batman for driving related charges.

This is the type of trial scenario that is used to allow students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of trial strategy and technique.

Mock Trial Teams

The 2003 Mock Trial Team finished 9th in national competition in April 2003.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View Mock Trial Teams Slideshow

The University joined the American Mock Trial Association, during the 1995-96 academic year, and competed in intercollegiate mock trial competition for the first time.

After finishing sixth, out of twenty-five competing teams, in the Southeast Regional Qualifying Tournament UNF received a bid to the prestigious “Gold Division” of the American Mock Trial Association, which is located in Des Moines, Iowa. UNF was only the second first-year team in eleven years to receive a bid to that division.

UNF went on to receive the prestigious award as the “Best New Team in America.” Program Director Edwards served as the team’s educator coach, and attorney Charles Lemley served as the team’s attorney coach.

Alexis Gaines (L) was the top vote-getter at the 2003 Southeastern Conference Mock Trial tournament. Michael Kalil (R) also was voted to the Regional All-Attorney Team.

Intercollegiate Mock Trial competition has become a very popular endeavor on the UNF campus and students have formed a Mock Trial organization, which meets regularly and raises funds to help defray travel costs to participate in various tournaments.

During the 2000-2001 competition, UNF’s teams were jointly awarded the prestigious “Spirit of AMTA” award for “civility, fair play, and justice.” The teams received the award at both the regional and national competitions. This is the only award voted on by all competing teams. Again during the 2001-2002 regional competition, UNF’s “veteran” team received the “Spirit of AMTA” award.

Dr. Glenn Coffey, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, has taken over as Educator Coach of the Mock Trial Teams. Dr. Coffey serves on the Program Board of Advisors and has coached several award winning teams.

Numerous UNF students have won individual awards as well. Casey Ratchford, a scholarship and law review student at Washington & Lee University Law School, was an All-American Attorney in national competition, and was chosen to make the defense’s closing argument at the national tournament several years ago. Jessica Stebbins won an All-Region Outstanding Attorney award and was a key member of the award-winning 2001 team. An impressive student, Jessica won the coveted Gates-Cambridge scholarship to study at Cambridge University in London. She will attend Yale Law School. Her younger sister Karyn was an All-Region witness in 2001.

Jenna Lopes, All-Region Attorney, and Kate Stebbins, All-Region Witness at the 2001 Southeastern Regional Mock Trial competition.

In the 2002 regional competition three UNF students won individual honors. Eric Roberson was voted All-Regional Attorney, receiving the most points of any student-attorney. He will attend the Levin College of Law, at the University of Florida. Kate Shonina, playing the role of a doctor, and Jamie Ibrahim, playing the role of a janitor, garnered All-Regional Witness awards.