High school students from around Florida and beyond gathered on the University of South Florida’s Sarasota-Manatee campus earlier this summer to explore career possibilities in the field of law through a new summer camp program hosted by the Judy Genshaft Honors College.
Under the umbrella of the JGHC Summer Scholars Institute, the Mock Trial Intensive program, through a wholistic approach, introduced students to the law, with a focus on the criminal justice system which encompassed criminal investigation, due process, rules of evidence, and trial practice.
The camp was led by Maria Gerber, an alumna of both the University of South Florida and Stetson University College of Law, owner and operator of Gerber Law and Invictus Advocacy Academy, a program which has produced national-award winning mock trial and moot court teams.
Throughout the week students applied what they learned by preparing for a trial simulation. The case featured a first-degree murder for which the students learned how to develop opening statements and closing arguments, how to question witnesses through direct and cross examination, and how to use evidence to bolster or undercut an argument. Daily lessons were enhanced by guest speakers from the State Attorney’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Manatee Sheriff’s Department and a private defense attorney. The students were coached by mock trial competitors as they applied the lessons and lectures to their preparation.
“I was very impressed with the growth that the students exhibited during the program,” said Gerber. “We presented challenging, relevant material that will serve the students very well, regardless of whether they are on a law school trajectory, as we covered subject matter of which every citizen should be aware,” added Gerber.
FROM LESSONS TO PRACTICE
The week culminated with a mock trial competition, in which students played the roles of attorneys and witnesses. The competition was hosted at the Stetson University College of Law, in Gulfport, giving students a chance to argue their cases in real courtrooms in front of volunteer judges.
Members of Stetson’s Advocacy Trial teams, the law school’s version of a mock trial program, served as jury and scoring judges, ultimately selecting a best attorney and best witness from each group.
This program highlights the ongoing partnership between USF and Stetson Law, which offers USF students multiple pathways for admission to Stetson’s law program: an accelerated program for students in the Judy Genshaft Honors College, and a traditional timeline open to all USF students.
“The Summer Institute is an important step forward in our partnership with Stetson Law,” said Dr. Charles Adams, Judy Genshaft endowed dean of the Judy Genshaft Honors College. “Our goal is to see these high-ability students eventually enroll in the Judy Genshaft Honors College and pursue the Stetson admission pathway. But even if they choose other options their participation in the Institute provides them with vital career skills along with insights that will make them more informed citizens.”
Director of Trial Advocacy at Stetson Law’s Center for Excellence in Advocacy Michael J. VanDerZee was equally enthusiastic when commenting on the program: "We were happy to support USF and the Mock Trial Intensive Program. The student-advocates and witnesses were fantastic! They were well-prepared, passionate, and composed – just the things we look for in our own Stetson Trial Team members. I hope this experience sparked their interest in becoming future trial advocates, and that we see them here on campus in a few years as members of Stetson’s Trial Team.”
BUILDING ON SUCCESS FOR FUTURE PROGRAMS
With the success of the 2023 Mock Trial program, the Honors College plans to offer additional programs focused on medical humanities, sustainability, engaged citizenship, and other areas of focus within the Honors College curriculum.
“The Summer Scholars Institute allows us to share our approach to education with a broader audience,” said Judy Genshaft Honors College Assistant Dean Cayla Lanier. “This approach includes a focus on interdisciplinary inquiry, experiential learning, and building relationships amongst students from diverse backgrounds.”
“It’s so much fun learning about the law,” said Patricia, a rising 10th-grader from Pinellas County. “We learned how to characterize witnesses. It’s so cool.”