Dayton Regional Information for Judges

The University of Dayton Mock Trial Team is proud to continue to host one of the American Mock Trial Association's (AMTA) Regional Tournaments, with students representing colleges and Universities from across the eastern United States. Part of AMTA’s decision to honor UD with the distinction of hosting this tournament for the first time is the tremendous quality of the judging pool that has turned out to volunteer at this tournament in the past. With your help, this year’s tournament will continue this tradition of excellence.

A new feature for judges this year is the ability to earn not one but TWO General Hours of CLE credit.

• On Saturday, Feb. 1, we will host a CLE presentation at 12:30 p.m. over lunch on “Artificial Intelligence, Authentic Liability: Navigating AI in the Practice of Law.” Local cybersecurity expert Taft, Stettinius & Hollister partner Zachary Heck will lead and facilitate a discussion that will discuss responsible ways that AI can be utilized in the practice of law, as well as some of the risks and potential liabilities associated with AI misuse. 
• On Sunday, Feb. 2, Coolidge Wall partners Christopher Conard and Daniel Gentry will present at 12: p.m. over lunch on “Technology in Legal Ethics: Past, Present and Future," a panel discussion on four topics — Engagement/Disengagement Letters Effective Use, What to do with Wills, File Destruction and AI and how it will change the practice of law.

Attorneys who plan to judge are welcome these CLE courses. We ask that everyone who takes advantage of this CLE opportunity judge at least one round as the price of admission. Attorneys who do not judge will be removed from the list submitted to Columbus.

The tournament will be comprised of four separate rounds spanning two rounds Saturday, Feb. 1, and two rounds Sunday, Feb. 2 (schedule below). In each round, students from two different institutions will represent the prosecution and defense in a simulated criminal trial. Student attorneys use the facts of the case and a modified version of the federal rules of evidence to present a complete case from opening to closing arguments. Student witnesses use affidavits prepared by AMTA to appear as doctors, investigators, business men and women and victims. Each trial lasts approximately three hours.

For all rounds, a prior familiarity with the case is not required. Each volunteer judge must first sit through a short orientation known as the “Judges Meeting” that will take place 30 minutes before the beginning of each round. A complete meal for judges will be provided before each round. Coffee and water will be served all day.

Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025

• Judges Check-in and Breakfast: 8:30-9 a.m.
• Judges Orientation Meeting: 9-9:30 a.m.
• Round I: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Lunch: CLE on AI with Zachary Heck: 12:30-1:30 p.m.; Judges Orientation Meeting: 1:45-2:15 p.m.
• Round II: 2:30-5:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025

Please note the one-half hour earlier schedule start time

• Judges Check-in and Breakfast: 8-8:30 a.m.
• Captains and Judges Meetings: 8:30-9 a.m.
• Round III: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Lunch: CLE on practical ethical considerations with Chris Conard and Dan Gentry: 12-1 p.m.; Judges Orientation Meetings: 1:30-2 p.m.
• Round IV: 2-5 p.m.
• Awards: ASAP following Round 4

Case Summary 

On April 25, 2024, infamous Midlands millionaire Avery Bancroft died while aboard the Mid-Riverina Express (the “MRE”). Bancroft had two children: Taylor Hopson and Shannon Shahid (Hopson’s younger half-sibling). According to Bancroft’s will, Hopson — who was also aboard the MRE when Bancroft died — would inherit most of Bancroft’s estate. Shahid has brought forward a Slayer Statute proceeding, alleging Hopson caused Bancroft’s death and therefore cannot inherit any of Bancroft’s estate.

For additional information or to sign up as a Judge, please contact University of Dayton Program Director Dr. Laura Hume at 937-229-4229 or at lhume1@udayton.edu.