On November 8, 2024, the CSU Law Mock Trial Team competed in the annual Case Classic Competition at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center. Team A consisted of Jake Wrege (3L) and John Swansinger (2L) representing the prosecution, and Lina Girgis (3L) and Charles Volz (2L) representing the defense. Team B consisted of Koby Adu-Poku (3L) and Victoria Szep (2L) representing the prosecution, and Nathan Arellano (3LE) and John Ohliger (2L) representing the defense. Each team competed in three rounds, all students performing as both advocates and witnesses.
In Round I, Jake Wrege and John Swansinger went head-to-head with Harvard Law, one judge entering a ballot in their favor and scoring them four points above their opponent. This judge gave both Mr. Wrege and Mr. Swansinger perfect scores on their cross-examinations. In Round II, Lina Girgis and Charles Volz faced Mercer Law, earning the ballots of both judges. Ms. Girgis received a near-perfect score on her opening statement, and Mr. Volz received a perfect score on his cross-examination.
In Round II, Koby Adu-Poku and Victoria Szep competed against Case Law, winning both judge ballots - one judge scoring them a whole 18 points higher than Case. Mr. Adu-Poku received a near-perfect score on his closing argument, and Ms. Szep received a near-perfect score on her cross-examination. In Round III, Nathan Arellano and John Ohliger went up against Akron Law, winning both judge ballots. Mr. Arellano received a perfect score on his cross-examination, and Mr. Ohliger received three near-perfect scores on his opening statement.
By the end of the competition, both Team A and Team B finished with 2 wins and 6 ballots. Team A placed 9th with an 18-point differential, and Team B placed 7th with a 39-point differential. At the conclusion of the competition, both teams received honorable mentions.
Since the start of the semester, all eight team members have worked restlessly to refine their litigation skills, and their efforts shone through during this competition. Their dedication is a testament not only to their commitment to the team, but to the art of advocacy itself.
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