Lee’s Mock Trial Club concludes season and prepares for next semester

Lee University’s Mock Trial Club is concluding its season of research after competing in Regionals on Saturday, Feb. 19, through the American Mock Trial Association. The club is currently recruiting students from all areas of campus as they look ahead to next semester.

This season, the teams took part in researching a criminal case. These fictional cases are provided by the American Mock Trial Association.

“This season we were assigned an arson case, based in Midlands,” said Chase Lawson, club president and junior public administration major. “With each case, you can argue it so many different ways and throughout the competition, the [American Mock Trial] Association adds case facts, depending on if prosecution or defense wins more.”

The Mock Trial Club is comprised of 20 members which split into two teams: Navy and Maroon. The club researches one civil or criminal case each season, and every participant has a different role depending on the assignments administered by the club leaders. Roles can range from witness to attorney or prosecutor.

During the competition, team Maroon scored 4-4 and team Navy scored 3-5 during the trial. Five wins would have qualified the team to advance beyond regionals. Despite the loss, the Mock Trial Club is looking forward to preparation for next season.  

“They're really motivated to succeed. They really support each other,” Dr. Mark Scully, club sponsor and professor of political science, said of the club members. “It's always impressive to me to see when students are given the space to create something and they're motivated. What a wonderful thing that they can build up to. And in my world, my example of that is mock trial. So, they do an awesome job and do a great job supporting each other, so I'm very proud of them.”

The Mock Trial Club encourages students to join them next semester.

“This was my first year on Mock Trial and it has been so much fun,” said Shauna Drinnon, sophomore psychology major. “I cannot wait for next year. I was a witness this past season and it was fun making the role my own. I believe anyone on the fence about it should try it.” 

Next semester, Mock Trial Club will begin the interviewing process for new members. Students interested in joining do not need prior experience.

“It's great, even if you're not going into the legal field, and it's a good bonding experience,” said Sydney Taylor, vice president and senior political science major. “I'm really thankful because it's my biggest community at Lee. I would recommend it if people are looking to have some public speaking experience, or have a bonding experience with friends and compete.”

For more information and updates, visit their Instagram page.