Mock Trial Misses Title by 1 Point

Harvard’s Mock Trial ‘A’ team landed second place in the annual American Mock Trial Association National Championship, losing to the University of Virginia by one point in a tie-break decision—the closest competition in league history.

The eight-member team still managed to come home from the competition—which took place April 7-9—with more “All-American” awards for individual performance than any other team.

At the final trial of the competition, the Harvard team prosecuted the kidnapper of a 13-year-old girl. Four judges, including three Iowa Supreme Court justices, presided over the trial.

“We presented an excellent case, as did they,” said team co-captain Daniel L. Goodkin ’06. “I’d say we presented the stronger case with the available facts but that they were a little more slick in their presentation.”

Harvard’s new ranking—second in the nation out of over 600 college teams—marks a surge in recent years. “Four years ago we were unranked in the top 200 programs, so we have made a pretty monumental leap,” Goodkin said.

Despite its performance, Harvard’s Mock Trial team may not be able to compete next year due to lack of funding. Private alumni donations will be discontinued this coming fall, and the team is dependent on those gifts because it has been denied funding by the College, according to the captains. “As of now Harvard hasn’t stepped up to the plate,” said co-captain Cornelius A. Vandenberg ’06, who was the first in league history to receive three “All-American” awards.

“We hope the University will recognize the value of this activity and the great effort we put forth in spreading its good name across the United States,” Goodkin said, adding that having to raise funds may take away from the team’s competitiveness.

Goodkin attributed the team’s success to its members’ ability to think on the go. “What really separates us from other teams is the ability to improvise and react well to unexpected situations,” he said.

The team celebrated their performance by relaxing in the hotel hot tub, drinking, and reminiscing about the months’ preparation, according to Goodkin. “It was the last season for four of us, and this was the perfect way to end our mock trial careers,” Goodkin said. ”Well almost perfect—one more point would have been nice.”

Other members of the team include Talia Kraemer ’06, Todd van Stolk-Riley ’06, Joseph M. Kerns ’08, Matthew S. Roller ’08, Carolina Lescano ’08, and Mia R. Morgenstern ’08.