Despite his name, plenty of evidence seemed to link suspect Ignatius M. Innocent to the murder of a 22-year-old medical student and injury of her 23-year-old roommate, who lived in the same apartment building as he did.
There was a bloody wrench and blood spatter in the med student’s apartment. An account from the surviving roommate, who suffered from a traumatic brain injury as well as a history of anorexia, complete with cognitive side effects. Innocent’s history of hospitalization for previous violent behavior spawned from an internet addiction. And testimony from an actual eyewitness, who was only 6 years old.
But would it be enough? How much of this evidence would be admissible in court?
Those were the questions posed to about 40 high school and community college students to determine in this fictional case dramatized by ACPHS faculty and Mock Trial Team members on Friday, Dec. 6, in the Gozzo Student Center. The interactive “case” was presented to introduce students to new ACPHS programs in psychology, forensic psychology and forensic science. Students attending also took tours of campus.
Assistant Professor Stephen Maher, who has practiced law, questioned faculty members playing the roles of expert witnesses in the case. Responding to Maher’s grilling, faculty shared their backgrounds and expertise with potential students in the audience. Students then provided their opinions on the admissibility of various types of evidence through online polls, with the results shared on an overhead screen in real time.
While there was no verdict, “Judge” Bridget Langdon, a forensic psychology student and Mock Trial Team member, delivered her findings on the admissibility of evidence at the end.
Students from several high schools said afterward that it was a fun way to learn about how various disciplines came together in legal cases. They were considering degrees in forensic psychology, forensic science and related fields.
“It was interesting to hear about the factors involved and which of them were admissible,” said one student.
“I’m interested in this field, and watching this helped me a lot,” said another.
The event was one of a number of efforts coordinated with the Office of Admissions this semester to expose potential students to degree programs and careers they might consider, including:
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Open Houses in October and November
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Scholarship Day on Nov. 8
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Educator's Breakfast on Oct. 28
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Campus visits by Microbes and Me New Visions students, Coxsackie-Athens High School and Queensbury High School
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Instant Admit Days at LaSalle Institute and Hudson Valley Community College