Mock Trial Seeks Qualified Judges

On February 11 and 12, 2012, Buffalo State will host the American Mock Trial Association’s 2012 Great Lakes Regional Tournament. So far, 26 teams representing 17 universities are participating, including teams from Buffalo State, Canisius, Cornell, Michigan University, and UB.

Attorneys are needed to serve as judges in the mock trials. The purpose of the event is to help provide undergraduates with knowledge of legal practices and procedures as well as with the opportunity to develop critical thinking and public-speaking skills.

The competition consists of four rounds: two Saturday and two Sunday. Each trial requires two to three judges. The presiding judge will rule on objections and evidentiary procedure, and the scoring judges will rate the performance of the student attorneys and witnesses.

“We are very pleased to be selected as host again this year,” said Jon Lines, lecturer of political science and regional tournament director. “We look forward to bringing Western New York’s legal community together with the more than 200 student attorneys and witnesses who will be competing on campus that weekend.”

Buffalo State is asking local judges, attorneys, advanced law students, and other members of the legal profession to volunteer as trial judges. CLE credits will be available to eligible attorneys. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, as well as a reception for volunteer judges on Friday, February 10, before the tournament. If interested, contact Lines at (716) 465-1327.