Lee University Mock Trials Wins First Place

  • Wednesday, November 6, 2024
  • Iris Luce, Lee University
The Lee University Mock Trial team after winning first place in the Chucky Mullins Invitational
The Lee University Mock Trial team after winning first place in the Chucky Mullins Invitational

Lee University’s Mock Trial won first place at the Chucky Mullins Invitational, hosted by the University of Mississippi, and five members brought home individual awards.

“Lee's Mock Trial team has been so tremendously focused and driven all semester that I am not at all surprised by how well they performed,” said Dr. Mark Scully, associate professor of political science and faculty sponsor for LUMT. “That does not mean, however, that I am any less proud of what they accomplished. I think this is a great example of what students can do in a cooperative, supportive environment where they are holding each other accountable, while also encouraging and supporting each other.”

LUMT faced off against 20 teams from a variety of states, including Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, and Kentucky, among others. The Lee team scored a perfect 8-0-0, making it the top-ranked team in the entire tournament.

“Not only did we rank first, but we were the only team to acquire all eight of the ballots—we swept the entire field,” said Paul Atherton, a senior political science major and president of Mock Trial. “The team is more motivated than ever before.”

Mr. Atherton; Aiden Giavelli, a senior chemistry major; and Nolan Wallace, a junior political science major; each won the Outstanding Witness Award. Mr. Atherton and Victoria Lee, a senior history major, each brought home Outstanding Attorney awards.

“This was a good invitational to introduce what Mock Trial truly is to our new members and show them how it works, but also to put our hard work to the test,” said Mr. Giavelli. “I can confidently say that our team has gotten better and grown together as a ‘mock’ family.”

Following the success at the University of Mississippi, LUMT also competed at Emory University's Peach Bowl. The team prepares to compete at Georgia State University's Downtown Derby in November.

This year’s competing Mock Trial team includes Mr. Atherton, Madelyn Ballew, Josh Cope, Shelby Flanigan, Mr. Giavelli, Lee, Grace Polikowski, Matthew Shackelford, and Nolan Wallace. The team also includes non-active members Rachel Atherton and Sydney Fant.

Lee University Mock Trial is a student-led organization for those interested in litigation and the law, acting and improvisation, critical thinking, and public speaking. LUMT comprises approximately 10 Lee students of various majors. Students participate as attorneys or witnesses in multiple competitions during the academic year.

For more information about the LUMT team, contact  mocktrial@leeuniversity.edu.

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