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| Students pose for a photo with Judge Douglas Kossler and Prof. Ryan Fortson (back row) prior to mock oral arguments. L to r front row: April Stone, Patrice Frank, Stephanie Smith, Rachel Gulanes, Erica Lee, Ixia Lopez, Robin Stepetin, and Megan MacDonald. L to r back row: Michael Notti, Marcus Phang, Ramadhani Greer, Bryan Steward, Judge Kossler, Camilla Hussein, Prof. Fortson, Ruth Hanson, Michael McGuffin, Caroline Sauerbrey. |
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 2016 spring semester. Students participated in a moot court - a mock 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 Alaska Court of Appeals Judge Douglas Kossler who rendered a decision after each case was presented. The previous week students were coached on oral argument by lawyer Laura Farley with the law firm of Farley and Graves.
Prior to the oral arguments, students prepared written memoranda on their cases and submitted them to their opposing counsel and to Prof. Fortson and Judge Kossler. Later in the semester, the students will participate in a simulated trial, conducting opening statements, direct and cross examinations, and closing arguments.
