In a highly contested civil case that has engaged emerging legal professionals across the nation, the verdict could rest on the effects of a banana.
Shahid v. Hopson is in one sense a very common type of lawsuit, involving a contested will. But with a deceased millionaire whose demise was potentially caused by a mysterious overdose of potassium — dangerous to his health due to an underlying medical condition — the trial in this case will be far from ordinary.
In fact, it will be fantastical — as in, not real. But that doesn’t make it any less a lesson in how a genuine case moves through the U.S. legal system.
As the case created for the 2024-2025 session of the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA), Shannon Shahid v. Taylor Hopson is being litigated in classrooms. ACPHS is fielding its first team to compete at the association’s regional competition in February, with the guidance of Assistant Professor Stephen Maher, who teaches in ACPHS’ new forensic psychology and forensic science programs, acquired from the closed College of Saint Rose.
Katarina Fonseca and Autumn Chow rehearse
While the offering is new to Panthers, most (but not all) of the ACPHS mock trial team are former Saint Rose students with some experience at the mock trial competition. They are filling such courtroom roles as attorneys and expert witnesses — and ready to share what they know with newcomers from any ACPHS program.
Some are developing skills that could help them in their chosen field of forensic psychology. Some are burnishing their public speaking skills. But no matter the degree program, students are all having fun.
“You become a whole different person on the stand,” said mock-trial veteran Bridget Longden, who has won awards at regional and invitational l competitions for her role as an expert witness. “It’s an adrenaline rush.”
Mock Trial Team members Jalin Williams, Bridget Rakoczy and Kemani Scott
The AMTA creates a different case each year, with characters from previous cases sometimes making repeat appearances. Students are provided fictional court documents such as affidavits filed by various players, which they use to develop their characters in a courtroom environment. The information defines the character to a degree, but also leaves some aspects for the student to fill in. Students can try out roles on both plaintiff and defense teams.
At a recent meeting, junior Bridget Rakoczy was working on finding the right balance for a suspicious character who might have a flamboyant side. A veteran to the mock trial competition, she said she’s gotten better with time, constructive feedback and the support of the group.
“It’s helped me fake it till I make it,” she said.
The mock trial group meets Friday afternoons at 2 p.m. in HAB 222. Interested students should contact Assistant Professor Stephen Maher, stephen.maher@acphs.edu.