BEMIDJI, Minn. (Nov. 3, 2011) — From Oct. 28 – Oct. 30, the Bemidji State Mock Trial team competed in their inaugural tournament at the St. Paul Brawl at Hamline University.

The team, consisting of 11 Bemidji State students, competed in four trials against a variety of colleges and universities from Minnesota and Iowa.  Several members of the Bemidji State Mock Trial team including: Nick Nelson, Kelsey Fuerst, Chelsey Warner, Andrew Lindquist, Rachel Leonard, and Taylor Burdick, received nominations for Best Attorney; while Kalli Kieffer, Cheyenne Horien, Amber Allen, and Ashley Kranz received nominations for Best Witness.

The Bemidji State Mock Trial team has been a member of the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) since 2010.  As a member of AMTA, the team prepares and performs a case acting as attorneys and witnesses.  This year’s case is the State of Midlands versus Danny Dawson.  Ms. Dawson is charged with first degree murder, negligent homicide, criminal vehicular operation, and driving under the influence for a motor vehicle crash that resulted in the death of Vanessa Sullivan.  The teams prepare and present both sides (prosecution and defense) of the case throughout the weekend while earning points based on their performance and knowledge of the law.

The Bemidji State Mock Trial team is preparing for another tournament at Macalester College on Dec. 3 and a regional competition later this winter.

For more information, please contact Dr. Patrick Donnay at (218) 755-3899 or visit http://www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/departments/political_science/

Bemidji State Mock Trial team members are listed below by hometown.

Bemidji |56601| Amber Allen, best witness nominee, freshman, psychology
Wahpeton |58075| Nick Nelson, best attorney nominee, junior, political science
Hutchinson |55350|Chelsey Warner, best attorney nominee, freshman, political science
Blaine |55449| Andrew Lindquist, best attorney nominee, senior, criminal justice
Holdingford |56340| Rachel Leonard, best attorney nominee, junior, business administration
Big Falls |56627|Taylor Burdick, best attorney nominee, sophomore, undecided
Hasings |55033|Kalli Kieffer , best witness nominee, freshman, political science
Theif River Falls |56701| Cheyenne Horien, best witness nominee, junior, political science
Milaca |56353| Ashley Kranz, best witness nominee, senior, psychology

Canada
Ontario
Dryden |P8N1P9| Kelsey Fuerst, best attorney nominee, sophomore, english education