This page is no longer being updated and remains online for informational and historical purposes only. The information is accurate as of the last page update.
For questions about page contents, contact the Communications Division.
Lafayette’s mock trial team took fifth place out of 22 teams in its division with a record of five wins, two losses, and one tie at the American Mock Trial Association’s National Tournament held last month in Minneapolis, Minn. The team defeated Duke University, Drake University, and University of Georgia.
Team captain David Myers ’07 (Rockville Centre, N.Y.), a double major in government & law and history, earned “Intercollegiate Outstanding Attorney” honors at the event.
Members of the team included Andrew Fagal ’07 (Skaneateles, N.Y.), a double major in economics & business and history; Carolyn Fast ’10 (Rockaway, N.J.); Theresa Giamanco ’07 (Oak Ridge, N.J.), a double major in government & law and philosophy; Christopher McGuinn ’07 (Pittsburgh, Pa.), a government and law major; Ryan Osterweil ’08 (Forest Hills, N.Y.), a chemistry major; Adam Pie ’09 (Doylestown, Pa.), a history major; and Margaret Schierberl ’10 (West Hartford, Conn.).
“As team captain, I am extremely proud of each and every member of the team and the amazing success we were able to achieve this year,” says Myers. “It is truly gratifying to achieve something that no previous Lafayette mock trial team has achieved before, especially for us seniors who worked hard for four years to build up our program to where it is today. I firmly believe that we are turning the program over into good hands next year, and I am confident that there is more than enough talent remaining to continue our success in the years to come on the national level.”
The team is coached by Diane Elliott ’74, visiting instructor of government and law, and Carmela Karns, administrative assistant. Mathematics-economics and government & law graduate Rob Fallone ’04 also accompanied the team to the national tournament.
“While I am extremely gratified to have won such a prestigious individual award on the national level, I could not have done it without the support of my teammates and the support I have received over these past four years from Diane and Carmela,” says Myers. “I also would never have won this award without the hard work and dedication of Margi [Schierberl], my witness. The way she burst onto the scene this year as a freshman was truly incredible, and she developed into one of the best witnesses I’ve seen in four years. She certainly has a bright future ahead of her in mock trial.”
This year’s case is Sean Jeffries, et. al. v. Polk County Police Department. It is a fictitious civil rights claim brought by the parents of a teenager named Max Jeffries, who was shot by Officer Jamie Conmey because he fit a general description of a robbery suspect. Jeffries is in a coma, and Conmey committed suicide shortly after shooting Jeffries, raising questions about his mental health at the time of the shooting. Alleging that the officer deprived their son of due process, the parents are suing the entire police department.
Previous tournament reports: