Pre-law fraternity sets up mock trial to learn from experience
Central Michigan University had its own murder trial in Moore Hall Monday night.
“I think she’s guilty as sin,” said Mount Pleasant senior Patrick Sweeney.
Eight members of Phi Alpha Delta, the pre-law fraternity, were a part of a mock trial.
Sweeney was on the defense team of Jerri Barron, played by St. Clair Shores junior Heather Hammons, who was on trial for committing both a robbery and murder in Sidney Daniel’s home, played by Clio freshman Taylor Knox.
Barron was clearly guilty of the charges being held against her, and even the defense knew it.
“The names are changed but it is based on a real case,” said Vassar sophomore Kirstin Miller, chair of mock trials and one of the prosecution attorneys. “Another organization wrote it, I simply contacted them and they let us use it.”
Elizabeth Campbell, faculty of finance and law, lent the use of her husband Reynolds Campbell, a retired lawyer of 40 years, to be the judge in the proceedings.
“I’ve never been on this side of bench before,” Reynolds Campbell said as he sat down in front of the Moore courtroom.
The Moore classroom was set up as a courtroom with two long desks at each end of the room for the defense and prosecution to sit, facing the main table at the front of the room where the judge was seated next to the “stand,” a red chair found in many of Moore’s rooms.
Behind this set up were a line of chairs where spectators could be seated facing the entire ensemble.
Reynolds Campbell was a proactive judge during the trial.
“OK, let’s roll,” he said when the defense rejected a five-minute break after the prosecution’s witnesses were finished.
Throughout the entire trial he made the event a productive learning environment by explaining what terms he used meant, why he overruled or sustained an objection and ways the Phi Alpha Delta members could make their statements more effective.
“The mock trial is a great learning experience. It helps get a feel for the real court room,” said Luna Peer senior Lauren Emptage, Phi Alpha Delta president and other prosecution attorney.
The other members playing in the trial were Orchard Lake sophomore Evan Leyons, second defense attorney, Midland senior Devinn Root who played Jami Barron, and St. Joseph senior Nate Trela, who played Officer Brotherton.
At the end of the trial a verdict was not given so it would not affect another mock trial being held at 7:30 p.m. today in Moore 114.
It will be the same trial but different members of Phi Alpha Delta will be playing the character and lawyers.
