Niagara University’s mock trial team wrapped up their competition year at the American Mock Trial Association Regional Tournament, hosted by the University at Buffalo, Feb. 15-16.
Over the two days, the 10 members participated in four rounds of trials, competing against teams from Hamilton College, UB, St. Bonaventure University, and SUNY Fredonia. At the closing ceremonies, the team’s co-president, Daniel Bax, received an “Outstanding Attorney Award” in recognition of receiving near-perfect ranks throughout the tournament.
The team started the year by competing in the 13th Annual Friar Faceoff Invitational, Nov. 23-24 at St. Bonaventure University. During the four-round tournament, the students competed against their peers from the University of New Haven, Duquesne University, Cornell University, and Kent State University. Co-president Lauralye Caskey was recognized with the “Outstanding Witness Award” for receiving perfect ranks.
Both competitions required the team to establish a case-in-chief—the main presentation of evidence and arguments—for both the plaintiff and defense sides of the cases they tried. Team members also took roles of witnesses and attorneys on each side of the cases. After each trial was completed, the teams received valuable insight and feedback about their performance.
In addition to Bax and Caskey, Niagara’s team includes Kyla Prince, Matthew Defrancesco, Sarah Cross, Micheal Baio, Ashley Abbett, Ava Palo, Kirsten Moran, and Jack Yasko.
“Being a part of the mock trial team comes with great benefits,” Moran said. “It serves as an engaging way to learn about the legal system and careers within it, while also developing persuasive argumentation skills, public speaking skills, teamwork abilities, and self-confidence.”
