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Over the past two weekends (Jan. 20-21 and 27-28) Hamilton’s two mock trial teams have traveled near and far to compete against the best programs in the country. These two tournaments, held at Georgetown and Cornell, respectively, were the teams’ final opportunities to get hands-on practice before the “March Madness” style tournaments begin in February.

Last weekend (Nov. 4-6) Hamilton Mock Trial debuted its two teams and six of seven new members at Haverford College’s “Black Squirrel Invitational.”

Hamilton Mock Trial ended its 2016-17 competitive season at the Lancaster, Pa., Opening Round Championship Series (ORCS) competition on March 17 to 19. Hamilton was one of 24 teams at the competition, and only six teams advance to the national competition later this spring. Ultimately, Hamilton placed 7th, narrowly missing the opportunity to compete at the national level.

On Feb. 3rd to 5th Hamilton Mock Trial competed in the Regional American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) tournament at Pennsylvania State University. This was the first of three AMTA elimination tournaments that aim to bring together the best teams from all around the country. Hamilton placed third out of 24 teams, earning it a spot to the next AMTA tournament, Opening Round Championship Series (ORCS) in Lancaster, Pa., March 17-19.

When most students left campus for the holidays on Nov. 18, Hamilton’s Mock Trial teams suited up for a tournament at Cornell University (Nov 19-20). Among the competition were teams from some of the best mock trial programs in the Northeast region including the Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, Columbia University, and Rutgers University.

While many students spent the Halloween weekend dressing up in costumes, Hamilton’s Mock Trial team spent the weekend in suits at the University of Rochester’s 9th annual “Yellowjacket Invitational.” Hamilton’s team has won this tournament for the past three years, and continued the streak this weekend. Hamilton’s two teams swept away the competition yet again, placing first and second at the tournament.

At Haverford College’s “Black Squirrel Invitational,” on Oct. 22-23, Hamilton Mock Trial celebrated a number of firsts: the first tournament of the year, the first competition for new members (Bryce Murdick ’20, and Michael Wang ’19), and the first tournament where Hamilton’s Mock Trial program competed with two teams.

While many students spent their spring breaks travelling or relaxing at home, Hamilton’s Mock Trial team competed at the Opening Round Championship Series (ORCS) tournament (March 18-20) in Lancaster, Pa. ORCS is the final qualifier tournament before the National Championship Tournament (NCT), so the team faced its toughest competition of the season. 

There’s just no one answer to the question: “What are Hamilton students doing over spring break?”

Hamilton’s Mock Trial team competed last weekend (Feb. 5-7) at a regional competition, held at Pennsylvania State University. This competition determined whether the team would advance to the next level of bracketed competition, the Opening Round Championship (ORCs).