Prof. Fortson's students present mock oral arguments before District Court Judge Jennifer Stuart Henderson

Judge Henderson (center standing) speaks to students before their arguments as Prof. Fortson (standing right) listens.

Prof. Ryan Fortson, J.D., Ph.D., Justice Center Legal Studies faculty, held mock oral arguments in his Legal 487 - Trial and Advanced Litigation Processes course as the final project of the 2015 spring semester.  Students participated in a  moot court  - a mock appellate court proceeding which involves the presentation of oral argument before a judge or a panel of judges.

Students prepared arguments for two hypothetical cases.  Their arguments were presented before  
Anchorage District Court Judge Jennifer Stuart Henderson who rendered a decision after each case was presented.

Prior to the oral arguments, students prepared briefs on their cases and submitted them to their opposing counsel team and to Prof. Fortson. Earlier in the semester, the students also participated in a simulated trial, conducting opening statements, direct and cross examinations, and closing arguments.

L to r front row: Students Emily Beaudoin, Casey Gilmore, Judge Henderson, Prof. Fortson,
students Jessica Pahkala, and Brianna Elias. Back row: student Chase McCavit