The nervous excitement was fizzing in Hamilton Smith Hall this past weekend, October 12th and 13th, as the UNH Justice Studies Annual Invitational Mock Trial Tournament was held. Ten teams, including two from UNH, battled it out, each appearing in four competitive rounds over two days. Other schools represented were Colby College, West Point, UMass Lowell, and Northeastern. Local attorneys and judges, as well as several UNH alums (now lawyers and law students) and Professors Susan Siggelakis and Kirk Trombley served on multijudge panels which adjudicated each round. This annual roster of competitions for university students across the nation is created and regulated by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA).
Professor Trombley, who is also an experienced attorney, summarized his positive experience as a judge thusly: “It is always humbling to see the amount of work that these students put into these competitions and the impressive level of trial presentation that they provide.” Jacob Namiot, a UNH political science alum, now in his 3rd year at Boston College Law School, also came back to preside over several rounds of the competition. “It was a pleasure to give back to UNH and serve as a judge for the 16th Annual Wildcat Invitational this past weekend. The students did an excellent job, and I have no doubt their trial skills will continue to improve as the season progresses.”
New Hampshire Attorney and UNH’s mock trial coach, Kat Mail, reported on the outcome:
“As for the tournament results: We had an excellent and competitive weekend. UNH Mock Trial ended the first day tied for second place and ended the tournament in the middle of the pack with four wins, four losses each. Most importantly, our UNH teams essentially tied for winning the Spirit of AMTA Award (SPAMTA). SPAMTA is a professionalism award that honors teams that exhibit the highest levels of "civility, justice, and fair play." The SPAMTA winner is selected through a poll wherein every team is asked to identify which of their competitors were the most professional and civil. Our teams won overwhelmingly, for which I am extremely proud.”
Congratulations Mockers and Coach Mail! You did UNH proud. Best of luck in upcoming tournaments this academic year!
