University Mock Trial Team competes in regional tournament

A team of seven students from Jacksonville University competed in the school’s first American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) Florida Regional Tournament recently in Orlando.

Although the team didn’t qualify to move on to the next round of the 2020 AMTA Tournament, team faculty advisor and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Matt Corrigan said they competed well and gained invaluable experience for their next attempt.

“The students learned a tremendous amount about analysis, teamwork and presentation in the 12 hours of competition required over the two-day tournament,” Dr. Corrigan said. He said the team plans to enter two competitions next year.

The Jacksonville University team included Joshua Ordu, Sophia Schlenoff, Moses Simmons, Brianna Mitchell, Emily Gilreath, Khadeja Collins and Nickolas Duke.

The team argued a case involving involuntary manslaughter during four trials held over two days.

Jacksonville University competed again 23 teams from 14 colleges and universities in the tournament hosted by the University of Central Florida. The Dolphins competed head-to-head against Florida State University, Flagler College, De Montfort University, and the University of Miami during the four-trial, two-day tournament.

The team is part of the recently re-established Jacksonville University Pre-Law Society, which has 45 members and support from Dolphin alumni who are currently lawyers.