The Niagara University mock trial team concluded its competition season at the American Mock Trial Association Regional Tournament, hosted by the University at Buffalo, Feb. 21-22.
Each year, the team competes in an invitational tournament and a regional tournament. The Niagara team includes co-captains Matthew DeFrancesco and Michael Baio, along with Ava Palo, Emma Wolf, Jack Yasko, Ashley Abbett, Sarah Cross, Kirsten Moran, Isabella O’Day and Vivek Koda.
During the two days of competition, the team participated in four rounds of trials, facing opponents from Cornell University, Syracuse University, St. John Fisher University, and Duquesne University. Both competitions required the team to establish a case-in-chief – the primary presentation of evidence and arguments – for both the prosecution and defense. Team members cycled through roles as both witnesses and attorneys for each side of the cases.
Following each trial, participants received professional feedback and insights on their performance. “This team has given me a support system where I can be myself while still striving for professionalism,” said Sarah Cross, a team member who progressed from a defense witness to a defense attorney this season. “Each experience has helped me improve, and I’m excited to continue that growth into my senior year.”
