WMU Home > About WMU > WMU News

WMU News

Mock trial team preps for nationals

March 6, 2008

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University's mock trial team is taking its case to the public Thursday, March 13, as it prepares for a national competition later in the month. The team will offer a free public presentation at 6:30 p.m. in the WMU Bernhard Center's Brown and Gold Room.

The 10-member group finished fourth out of 24 teams during a regional tournament held Feb. 15-17 in Joliet, Ill. The group will now advance to the national competition March 14-16 in Waukegan, Ill.

During a mock trial, students assume the roles of lawyers and witnesses and present their side of a case issued by the American Mock Trial Association. This year's case involves a defendant who has pleaded guilty to assault. The defense and prosecution are on opposing sides arguing for a sentence of either probation or prison for five to 30 years.

WMU's mock trial team is coached by part-time Lee Honors College and political science instructor Joelle Renstrom. The WMU mock trial team was founded in 1999 by the late WMU professor Dr. Peter Renstrom.

Media contact: Deanne Molinari, (269) 387-8400, deanne.molinari@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
www.wmich.edu/wmu/news