11/15/01--The final round of Boston College Law School’s 25th annual Mock Trial Competition was held November 14, 2001. The spirited internal competition featured the Honorable Paul J. Barbadoro, Chief Judge, United States District Court, New Hampshire, presiding. BCLaw students Jason Kropp and Tony Shaw represented the plaintiff, while Loren Cochran and Matthew Grygorcewicz represented the defendant.

"There were absolutely superb performances by all involved," said Dean for Students Norah Wylie. "It wasa pleasure to see both teams do so well. It is always wonderful to see the professional development of our students over their first two years."

The problem used in the intra-school competition alternates each year between a civil and a criminal case. This year it was a civil trial entitled William Ray Bright v. WCHR Cable Television, Inc. Students compete as two-person teams and represent either the plaintiff or the defendant at trial. Each trial includes an opening statement by each party, the direct and cross-examination of two witnesses for the plaintiff and two witnesses for the defendant, with closing arguments by each party.

This year’s problem addressed two issues. Count I alleged that the defendant, WHCR, a Christian news network, willfully violated the Age Discrimination in Employment Act by terminating the plaintiff. Count II alleged a Breach of Contract, arguing that the Defendant wrongfully discharged the Plaintiff, William Ray Bright, from its employment.

Although the team representing the Plaintiffs, Jason Kropp and Tony Shaw, prevailed at the trial this year, both teams will be attending the Regional Competition.

Sponsored by the Board of Student Advisors, the Mock Trial Competition has been held during the fall semester since 1976. As a result of the competition’s success, both regionally and nationally, the Law School has developed an outstanding reputation for preparing students who will be hired for litigation positions in both major law firms and public law practices.