The football and basketball teams aren`t the only teams on campus that know about competing in championships. UT`s Mock Trial team headed to Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina during the weekend of January 26. Out of eight ballots Team 440 only lost one ballot allowing them to receive a bid to the Gold Flight National Championship in St. Petersburg, Fla. during April 13-15.

Team 441 won five ballots qualifying them for the Silver Flight National Championship at St. Paul, Minn., during March 16-18.

Auditions for the team are only held during the fall. During the fall semester there are four competing teams and in the spring there are only three teams. There are eight competitors on each team. Often during the spring the team carries one extra for alternates.

"I have received great friends, a better working knowledge of the legal system and its process, lots of traveling and court room experience for my future." Doneise Ramsey- Secretary/Treasurer

Throughout the year the the teams compete in a number of invitational competitions at various universities. Each team will assign students to the roles of lawyers and witnesses. The team receives a case packet that provides all information about the current case such as complete description and summary of the case, witness statements and description, submitted evidence etc.

Each case is written by fellow mock trial participants. It is sent through an approval and editing process by the board members of the American Mock Trial Association. 

At invitational competitions there is a possibility to win two ballots. There are two or three judges per round with only two judges scoring the team. One of the judges has the duty of residing and making rulings and objections over courtroom procedure.

Witnesses are scored on direct and cross-examinations. Attorneys are scored on direct and cross-examinations and opening and closing arguments. The scoring is on a scale of 1-10. Participants are judged on character execution and presentation. Each ballot is totaled to determine which team is the winner.

There are four rounds per competition; therefor throughout the year a team has the possibility to win 8 ballots.

Awards received at Furman University: 

1. Alexandra Brewer- Outstanding witness, Defense
2. Chris Suedekum- Outstanding Attorney
3. Eric Mauldin (Team 442 captain)- Outstanding Witness and Outstanding Attorney
4. Julia Taylor- Outstanding Attorney

Awards received at Wake Forest University:

1. Tied 2nd place for Outstanding Trial Team
2. Chris Suedekum- Outstanding Attorney
3. Lenae McKee- Outstanding Witness

Awards received at the University of Richmond:

1. Thomas Gray- Outstanding Attorney
2. Nate Ogle- Outstanding Witness

Awards received at Middle Tennessee University Invitational:

1. Team 440- Honorable Mention
2. Chris Suedekum- Outstanding Witness
3. Thomas Gray- Outstanding Attorney

Awards Received at University of North Carolina/Duke invitational:

1. Jessica Puckett- Outstanding Attorney

Awards Received at New York University Invitational:

1. Chris Suedekum- Outstanding Attorney

This organization competed in more invitational competitions this year than usual. This is the first time everyone was able to compete in two competitions.

Faculty adviser, John Scheb is thrilled with the organization`s performance.

"My role as faculty adviser is very limited," he said. "Any credit for the program`s performance goes to the students. They have really put UT on the map when it comes to mock trial competition."

The Mock Trial Organization relies heavily on donations and fundraising. If you would like to make a donation contact Faculty adviser, John Scheb at sceb@utk.edu or call 865-974-7047.