Buies Creek – Ten students from Campbell University will compete in a regional Mock Trial competition sponsored by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Feb. 5 and 6.
The competition provides undergraduates with an opportunity to employ their litigation abilities in a courtroom setting. AMTA provides teams nationwide with a simulated case. After receiving the case, the team meets to prepare questions, arguments, and opening and closing statements for the trial; members act as attorneys and witnesses to construct and present the case from the prosecution or the defense, depending on the round.
Senior and team captain Megan Bufkin, who has been involved with the program since her freshman year, is elated about the team’s dedication throughout the extensive process requiring hours of preparation and practice.
“For this to require so much effort, and for them to work independently of grades and academic accountability, it is a super big deal that they are all so dedicated. I am proud of them,” she said.
The team formerly operated as a class in the Government, History and Justice Department, but began functioning as a club this year under faculty advisor Dr. Tiago Jones and student leadership.
Bufkin is joined on the team by fellow students Jessica Archer, Emily Brewer, Justin Bryant, Mitchell Cox, Christina Ellison, Danny Gibson, Heather Higgins, Courtney Marlowe and Scott Sheppard.
In 2007-2008, the team earned the “Spirit of AMTA Award,” which recognizes the team who best exemplifies “civility, justice, and fair play.” In past competitions, members have also won individual awards.
Written by – Chelsea Wilde, Student Writer