UMass Dartmouth Law School hosts in-house mock trial competition

UMass Dartmouth welcomed SouthCoast legal leaders and over 50 students during its first in-house mock trial competition from Friday, April 10 to Sunday, April 12. 

"Mock trial gives students the opportunity to develop and refine essential courtroom skills in a supportive but challenging environment," teaching professor and director of advocacy programs Rebecca Moor said. "We were thrilled to see such strong participation in this first competition and look forward to growing the program in the years ahead."

During this, students participated in a bracket-style format, with teams advancing by winning criminal trial simulations. Students represented both the prosecution and defence, with real judges overseeing the trials. 

Max Couture and Sydney Brands, first-year law students, won the championship with an prosecuting argument surrounding a first-degree assault and disorderly conduct case. 

"It was incredibly rewarding to see the skills and training I've received from my professors and coaches come together in a realistic courtroom setting," said Couture. "I look forward to continuing to compete and helping grow UMass Law's trial advocacy program."

In the simulation, they stated the defendant was not justified in using a metal flashlight as self defense in response to having his legs trapped and slammed in a car door. 

"I learned so much through the experience of competing alongside my classmates," said Brands. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to develop invaluable skills under the guidance of our coaches, professors, local attorneys, and judges. It was an incredibly rewarding experience."

Legal leaders included Presiding Judge of the New Bedford Third District Court Judge Joseph P. Harrington, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III and Attorney in Charge of the New Bedford Trial Office for the Committee for Public Counsel Services Erin Steadman,.