DETROIT — During the Wayne State University Law School Mock Trial Winter In-House final competition on November 17, third-year students Taylor Zerilli and Zachary Miles emerged victorious. Representing the defense, they competed against second-year students Mallory Lucas and Emma Whitney, who comprised the plaintiff's finalist team. 

The presiding judge for this final showdown was Judge Chandra W. Baker-Robinson from the Criminal Division at Michigan's 3rd Circuit Court. 

This culmination marked the end of a semester-long journey for the junior members. Preceding the fall semester kickoff, these members engaged in a comprehensive three-day workshop, delving into the intricacies of trial basics and evidence rules. 

The competition commenced on September 30, 2023, when all the junior Mock Trial members participated in their inaugural mock trial of the year. Each team had two trials, serving once as prosecution and once as defense. Semi-finalists and finalists were determined based on accumulated points throughout the semester. The initial trial occurred at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, followed by the second trial and semi-finals at the 36th District Court. 

The Fall 2023 In-House competition centered around a criminal case involving the death of a judge, with an attorney charged with their murder. 

Prominent Wayne Law alumni and local Detroit area attorneys served as judges for the Fall 2023 in-house competition with Judge Kenneth King, the presiding judge of the 36th District Court, notably presiding over one of the semi-finals. 

Witnesses and jury members throughout the semester included junior Mock Trial members, Wayne Law students, family, and friends, all contributing to the success of this term. 

The semester brimmed with exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. In the upcoming Winter 2024 semester, Mock Trial junior members will continue their journey, participating in in-house competitions or venturing into national competitions. 

To catch a glimpse of the event, take a look at the competition photos. 

### 

Contact: Jennifer Kennedy 

Phone: 313-577-4629 

Email: Jennifer.kennedy2@wayne.edu