Prof. Fortson's JUST 487 students present mock oral arguments to Alaska Supreme Court Justice Bolger

Alaska Supreme Court Justice Joel Bolger (left at desk) listens to Kirsten Robinson (at podium) present her oral argument.
Far left: Prof. Ryan Fortson takes notes on the student's presentation.

 Prof. Ryan Fortson, J.D., Justice faculty, held mock trial arguments in his Justice 487 - Trial and Advanced Litigation Processes course on May 3 as the final project of the 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 were divided into teams and prepared arguments for hypothetical cases.  Their arguments were presented before Alaska Supreme Court Justice Joel Bolger 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 and Justice Bolger. 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: Students Kirsten Robinson and Tanna Severson, Prof. Ryan Fortson, Supreme Court Justice Joel Bolger;
students Vanessa Chung and Monte Hernandez.

L to r: Students Kristen Speyerer and Sarah Horton, Prof. Ryan Fortson, Supreme Court Justice Joel Bolger,
students Jennifer Seeley, Jeanene Walker, and Josie Grande.