Two Mississippi Valley State University Mock Trial Teams competed in the Jackson Joust Mock Trial Tournament at Millsaps College. This year’s case is an age discrimination case, and teams must represent both the plaintiff and the defendant.
This was the first competition of the year and involved many first time participants. There was a two round tournament involving teams from Millsaps College, University of Louisiana - Monroe, Mississippi College and Mississippi University for Women. The teams performed well and several Valley participants were ranked as either Attorneys or Witnesses on Judges’ ballots. Attorneys’ receiving rankings included Kenya Jones, Kierre Swims and Janie Warren. Kenya Jones received a ranking as one of the top attorneys on all four ballots for the competition. Witnesses ranked on judges ballots included Barbara Duncan, Austin Gray, Jasmine Murphy and Amber Robinson.
Other members for MVSU included Timothy Coleman, Alexxus Ervins, Tiwana Frazier, Khaliah Luckett, Zycreuna Merrill, Kambreca Mitchell, Kyra Myrick, Jakaiyla Proctor, Derry Skinner, and Laquita White.
Mock trial requires students to perform as attorneys and witnesses competing against teams from around the country. The tournaments are sponsored by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA). Teams consist of up to 10 members who must compete in three hour trials. Team members must learn affidavits and expert reports, and also analyze and use numerous pieces of evidence. A trial consists of opening statements, direct examinations, cross examinations, and closing arguments. Students must be skilled and focused to succeed.
The educator coach for the Mock Trial Team is Dr. Larry W. Chappell, pre-law advisor, professor of political science and coordinator of the pre-law/legal studies degree program. The attorney coach for the team is Neysha Sanders, Esq. Sanders is a member of Sanders and Sanders Law Firm. She also teaches courses in the Department of Social Sciences at MVSU.
The team was supported by a grant from the Leflore County Board of Supervisors. The program is sponsored by the Office of University Advancement, Academic Affairs and Department of Social Sciences.
Next up for the team is a public exhibition of an intra-squad scrimmage at Coahoma Community College at 6 p.m. on Thursday October 13th.