For the first time in Ohio State history, the Ohio State Mock Trial team qualified for the National Championship Tournament in Orlando, Florida. The purpose of the Undergraduate student Mock Trial was to replicate all aspects of the legal process. Students learned how to prepare witnesses for trial and how to portray them at trial. Student attorneys also learned to prepare witness examinations and statements for trial and the rules of evidence and procedure used in the actual courtrooms. There are over 550 mock trial teams for approximately 350 universities and colleges across the country. Only 48 teams advance to compete at the National Championship Tournament.

The Team Captain describes his experience:

 "Nationals was a great experience; it was awesome to meet people from across the country as well as compete against the best teams in the country. I think it's a great start for our program and we can build upon that next year." -Eric Leist, senior member, Team Captain

In addition, their coach explains, "Getting to nationals this year was a big step for the program. It gives students a chance to learn by competing against the best teams in the country. Hopefully, we will be able to build on this past year's success going forward." -Alex Bluebond, Team Coach. Alex coached Duke's Mock Trial team to win a National Championship in 2012 before he moved to Columbus this past year and began coaching the OSU team.

We are very proud of their success this year and we look forward to watching them compete next year.