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Liberty mock trial program celebrates first-place victory at Davidson invitational

Liberty University’s mock trial teams, a program for undergraduate students under the Helms School of Government, started their pre-season strong with a first-place victory at the Davidson College Invitational Tournament in Davidson, N.C., Oct. 22-23.

More than 19 teams from nine schools competed, including the University of Kentucky, Auburn, and the University of Miami. Liberty took three teams to the tournament, with one team finishing first and another finishing third.

“This was very much a practice run for the spring semester,” said Dr. Benjamin Rathsam, associate professor of government and mock trial coach. “We weren’t sure what to expect… We do much more moot court in the fall semester and much less mock trial. Our preparation for this wasn’t what it normally is for a mock trial tournament just because we’re more focused on moot court. We were just hoping to get experience for the new members and let them see what mock trial was like.”

Liberty is a member of the American Mock Trial Association, which prepares law students by simulating trial scenarios.

One particular trial scenario is chosen each season. This season, all mock trial teams are analyzing a plane crash scenario and debating either pilot negligence or mechanical issues as the cause. The plaintiff, whose spouse died in the crash, claims company responsibility, while the defense asserts that unforeseen events caused the tragedy.

In addition to the first-place finish, competitors Emma Scharstein and Danielle Glick won Top Attorneys honors for the event.

“That should set us up well for getting invites next year, but also give momentum for the students going into the spring semester,” Rathsam said.

Last season, Liberty’s Mock Trial A-Team was crowned the regional champion before progressing to the Open Round Championship, where it finished 4-4, the best showing in program history.

Competitors will be preparing over Christmas Break, and hard-core practice will start in January.

For more information, including tournament results and tryout information, follow Liberty’s Mock Trial Program @lumocktrial or contact Dr. Benjamin Rathsam at brathsam@liberty.edu.

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