In what seemed like a summer of endless unpredictability, the Rutgers Mock Trial Association (RUMTA) held their ground in light of the novel circumstances.
Despite the pandemic and ensuing quarantine, this past August, RUMTA was able to successfully continue its tradition of Summer Practices. In years past, members would try a past case written by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) to maintain and sharpen their skills for the upcoming competitive season. This summer, our returners took on Sean Jeffries v Polk County Police, an AMTA Civil Case from 2007. Summer practices and scrimmages were held via the video conferencing platform, Zoom. Fortunately, after much trial and error, as well as two successful internal scrimmages, RUMTA members feel more than ready to take on the new year in the virtual sphere!
The 2020-21 Executive Board, from top left to bottom right: Yosan Siele, Laura Vorbach, Veronica Bido, Zoe Chang, Kimberly Mohabeer, Sunzida Ahmed.
For the upcoming season, AMTA has released the civil case, Joey Petrillo, as Administrator of the Estate of Genesis Petrillo v. Harper Martini and Peony Estates. The case revolves around an alleged poisoning where teams can choose to pursue either battery or negligence per se. Most of the competitive season will be held remotely, the specific details of which have yet to be released.
While the new year holds some uncertainty by virtue of its platform, RUMTA feels confident going into the season, especially with the help of some new additions. Joining our Returning Coaches (Micael Roberts, Esq., Bren Simonson, Esq., and Caroline Bielak, Esq.) are Assistant Coaches: Humayoon Hashmi, Emmett Laurie, and Ryan Ruffin—all recent alumni of Rutgers Mock Trial. Additionally, the team will be receiving guidance from experienced trial attorney, Alan Y. Medvin, who will be serving as Senior Attorney Advisor.
While returning members are diligently preparing for the upcoming season, RUMTA is still in the midst of recruiting new members! The last information session for potential new members to attend is Thursday, September 17th at 7pm/EST (the zoom link for this session can be found here).
As we near our first invitational, we’re at the edge of our seats (or rather, our screens) in anticipation for the trials, objections, and endless fun that lays ahead. After advancing to the National Championship this past spring, the team feels invigorated to keep up the momentum in this new world of virtual mock trial. With the preparation and guidance, we’re ready to tackle the year ahead!