Trial Advocacy Competition Showcases Legal Talent
Hosted by the Mock Trial Honor Society, first-year law students competed in a bracket-style competition based on a fact pattern inspired by a real “no body” homicide case.
The American University Washington College of Law Mock Trial Honor Society hosted its First Year Trial Advocacy Competition on January 27.
The first-year law students competed in a bracket-style competition, with the mock trial team scoring from the jury box.
Drawing inspiration from a real "no body" homicide case, competitors delivered compelling closing arguments based on a carefully crafted fact pattern. Among the standout quarterfinalists were Hannah Hofmann, Jack Craver, Linnea Miller, and Trey Boyen. Lucy Chuang and Sophia Brodnax advanced from the quarterfinals to the semifinals.
Katharine Cuneo and Mark Rodriguez competed in the final round, each given just 10 minutes to incorporate a new piece of evidence into their closing arguments. Rodriguez emerged as champion, delivering a compelling closing argument and demanded acquittal for the defendant.
The Mock Trial Honor Society extended their appreciation to Recruitment Directors Cole Metcalfe and Angela Chen, as well as to all mock trial team members. They also expressed gratitude to Ken Troccoli, longstanding adjunct faculty member and fellow in the Stephen S. Weinstein Advocacy Program, for his invaluable guidance and oversight throughout the competition.
Story by Liz Newton.