When autocomplete options are available, use up and down arrows to review and enter to select.
Apply Give

Mock Trial team crowned regional champions, qualify for Open Round Championship Tournament

A-Team finished regionals 7-1

Three Liberty University Mock Trial teams competed in the Mock Trial Regional Tournament Feb. 19-20, with Liberty’s A-Team snatching first place (7-1) and securing a slot in the Open Round Championship Tournament (ORCS) March 11-13.

The tournament was competed remotely through Zoom, with the A-Team rising above the University of Virginia, Patrick Henry College, College of William & Mary for the top finish.

Liberty’s B-Team (5-3) also secured a spot at nationals, but the C-Team (2-6) narrowly missed the mark. In addition to a strong showing for all teams, members from each tier received special recognitions. All Mock Trial teams are under the Helms School of Government.

“This is a great accomplishment for our Team,” said Dr. Benjamin Rathsam, associate professor of government and Mock Trial coach. “We have had a Regional Champion now in back-to-back years, which is the first time that the Liberty mock trial program has accomplished that achievement. It is a testament to how hard the students worked to prepare to compete, and that hard work was reflected in the results.”

B-Team finished regionals 5-3

Liberty’s teams are members of the American Mock Trial Association, which formats its tournaments around a central case. This season’s case, titled “State of Midlands v. Dakota Sutcliffe,” simulates a courtroom jury-style debate, with members on prosecution and defensive ends of the case.

Senior finance student Dalton Davis and sophomore criminal psychology student Emma Scharstein both won All-Regional Attorney Awards for the A-Team. B-Team member Collyn Kim, who won an All-Regional Witness Award, was the only witness at the Regional to triumph a perfect score. Cody Butler & Jody Weathersby, from the C-Team, won All-Regional Witness Awards.

“Last weekend’s tournament was incredible; we have so much talent on this team and so much potential that was realized,” said Scharstein, a captain and attorney on the A-Team. “It has been one of the most rewarding experiences to get to work with this team. To be able to celebrate our win after all of the late nights and hours of practice is priceless and one of my favorite mock trial memories. We’re still a growing program, but we’re a force to be reckoned with, and I believe we’ve started to show that.”

Liberty’s teams typically practice four to five hours each week in preparation for tournaments.

“I am incredibly proud of our team,” said Davis, a team captain and closing attorney. “We faced tough competition, including the second-best team at the tournament, and still won. Looking back on regionals, every single team member brought their best and performed at a high-level. And while we still have more work to do to prepare for ORCS, I am thankful and humbled that I have gotten the opportunity to compete with this team of talented and hard-working individuals.”

C-Team finished regionals 2-6

“I would like to thank the Helms School of Government for their continual support of the team’s endeavors,” Davis added. “Also, I would like to especially thank our coach, Dr. Benjamin Rathsam. While most people will never see the countless early weekend scrimmages or late weekday practices that Dr. Rathsam has sacrificed his time at, our entire team is incredibly thankful for his dedication to Liberty’s mock trial program and how he has poured into each student on the team.”

Chat Live Chat Live Request Info Request Info Apply Now Apply Now Visit Liberty Visit Liberty