KU mock trial team qualifies for national championship

LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas mock trial team has found real success in its current season.

The team has qualified for the American Mock Trial Association National Championship April 4-6 in Des Moines, Iowa. This is the fifth time in six years of existence that the team has qualified for the tournament.

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.

The team began preparing last August for this year's competitions. Team members usually practice for two to four hours twice a week.

At the University of California-Los Angeles Invitational Jan. 10-13, the team placed fifth out of 34 teams, compiling a 5-1-2 record. Ryan Faulconer was named as a top attorney in this event, receiving a perfect score of 20 ranks.

At the Mid-Missouri Invitational Jan. 24-25 in Columbia, Mo., the team placed first out of 20 teams with an 8-0 record. Ryan Faulconer was named as one of the top 10 attorneys at the tournament, and Chris Kaiser was honored for his performance as a witness.

At the Loras College National Invitational Jan. 30-Feb. 2 in Dubuque, Iowa, the team placed first out of 28 teams in the gold division, finishing in the overall tournament behind only the University of Iowa, the defending national champions. The teams that finished behind the Jayhawks included some former national champion teams.

At the regional tournament in Topeka Feb. 14-15, the team placed second with a 6-2 record, the best showing ever by a KU mock trial team at that tournament. Once again, only the defending national champions from the University of Iowa finished higher. Kaiser was honored again as an outstanding witness.

Ryan Faulconer, a junior from Colorado Springs, is president of the mock trial team. Danielle 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, dean of the KU law school, is the faculty adviser.

Members of the team are listed below by hometown.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Fairway
Mary Margaret Ryan, freshman in biology, daughter of Michael Ryan; Shawnee Mission East High School graduate.

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

From Overland Park
Danielle 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.

From Prairie Village
Jennifer Woodbury Miller, junior in crime and delinquency studies and sociology, daughter of Patricia Miller; Shawnee Mission East High School graduate.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY
From Linwood
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.

ILLINOIS
From Naperville
Anthony Marnell, freshman in undeclared pre-law, son of Thomas and Christine Marnell; Naperville North High School graduate.

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