Mock trial team competes at national tournament, finishes in tie for second

LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas mock trial team brought home another top finish from the American Mock Trial Association National Championship, held April 4 through 6 in Des Moines, Iowa. The team finished in an eight-way tie for second place in its 32-team division, missing an appearance in the championship round by one point.

This was the fifth time in six years of existence that the team qualified for the national tournament.

Two members of the team were honored for outstanding performances. Shandy Soleimani, a sophomore from Olathe, received an All-American Witness Award for his portrayal of a medical expert for the defense. Ryan Faulconer, a junior from Colorado Springs, Colo., received an All-American Attorney Award for his roles as an attorney for the plaintiff and the defense. He was the only attorney with a perfect "20" ranking on both sides of the case, meaning that every judge in each of the four rounds he competed in ranked him as the best of the six participating attorneys. That performance earned him a spot in the All-American Honors Trial, a showcase of the top six attorneys and top six witnesses not competing in the final round.

The team finished the season with an overall record of 38-11-3 and garnered overall first-place finishes at the Mid-Missouri Invitational and the Central Missouri State Invitational and a top placing in its division at the Loras College National Invitational.

In a mock trial competition, students compete in a three-hour mini-trial, playing the roles of attorneys and witnesses. Points are awarded based on the students' performances of their roles.

The case being tried is predetermined each season. Teams are sent the facts, evidence and witness testimony from which they construct their arguments. They prepare opening statements, closing statements, and direct and cross examinations of witnesses.

The lawyers at the trials require a combination of the above preparations, a firm grasp of the law as it applies to the case and a strong understanding of trial procedure. Witnesses must know the facts of the case and be able to answer questions naturally despite their frequent rehearsals.

The "judges" and "jury" score the participants on their performance. The opening statement, closing statement, and direct and cross examinations are all scored. The actual verdict of the trial is not decided and does not affect the scoring.

Faulconer is president of the mock trial team. Dani Davey, a junior from Overland Park, is the vice president. Branden Bell, a first-year law student, serves as coach for the team. Stephen McAllister, KU dean of law, is the faculty adviser. The team is supported by Student Senate, the KU School of Law, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Kansas Trial Lawyers Association.

Team members who competed at the national championship tournament are:

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Olathe
Shandy Soleimani, sophomore in political science, son of Sheila and Massoud Soleimani; Olathe South High School graduate.

From Overland Park
Dani Davey, junior in political science and psychology, daughter of Vickie Miller; Shawnee Mission Northwest High School graduate. Christopher Kaiser, senior in biology, math and political science, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kaiser; Shawnee Mission South High School graduate. Tai Vokins, sophomore in political science; Shawnee Mission South High School graduate.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY
From Kansas City
Penny Beesley, senior in political science and Germanic languages and literatures, daughter of Karl Beesley; Ruskin High School graduate.

COLORADO
From Colorado Springs
Ryan Faulconer, junior in political science, son of Forrest and Maria Faulconer; Cheyenne Mountain High School graduate.

OKLAHOMA
From Broken Arrow
Branden Bell, first-year law student; Broken Arrow High School graduate.