Trial Advocacy Students to Participate in Final Trials at Montgomery County Judicial Center

Over 85 Law Students, 60 Undergraduates Part of Mock Criminal Trial

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 14, 2011 - Over 85 American University Washington College of Law students will participate in a day of final moot trials at the Montgomery County Judicial Center on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

As part of the Stephen S. Weinstein Trial Advocacy Program, the students will participate in six trials held simultaneously before judges in different courtrooms. In addition, approximately 60 American University undergraduate students will serve as jurors. The student jurors will be instructed by the judges as to the applicable law at the conclusion of the trials, will deliberate, and reach a verdict.

This year’s case, State v. Sanchez, is a criminal trial that considers issues from racial bias and the defense of self-defense, to testimony of non-traditional gang behavior experts and impeachment by criminal convictions.

Judges presiding:

  • Judge DeLawrence Beard, retired chief judge, Montgomery County, Maryland Circuit Court
  • Judge Eugene Hamilton, retired chief judge, D.C. Superior Court
  • Judge Michael Mason, Montgomery County, Maryland Circuit Court
  • Judge Irma Raker, retired, Court of Appeals of Maryland
  • Judge Michael Algeo, Montgomery County, Maryland Circuit Court

For more information about the final trials, please visit the Trial Advocacy Program website.

Media interested in attending the event should contact Megan Smith, 202-274-4276.

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Stephen S. Weinstein Trial Advocacy Program

American University Washington College of Law’s Stephen S. Weinstein Trial Advocacy Program provides experiential learning opportunities for students to gain proficiency in trial litigation skills. The program simulates true legal advocacy through mock trials. In trial advocacy courses, trial and appellate level judges sit on the bench in the law school’s high-tech courtroom and offer students unique insight and experience into the practice of law. The judges work in tandem with successful and prestigious litigators, who closely work with students to hone their litigation skills. The Trial Advocacy Program also employs a professional actor, Paul Morella, to provide students with practical instruction on presentation techniques. For more information, visit wcl.american.edu.