Stevenson, UMBC Host Inaugural Charm City Classic Invitational Tournament
Mock trial teams from Stevenson University, University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), Johns Hopkins University, and University of Maryland competed in the inaugural Charm City Classic Invitational Tournament (CCCIT) this past weekend. Co-hosted by the Stevenson’s Legal Studies department and UMBC, the two-day tournament was held in Stevenson’s Brown School of Business and Leadership, which includes the University’s state-of-the-art Francis X. Pugh Courtroom.
UMBC’s “A Team” emerged as the winning squad. On Stevenson’s side, senior Christine Barker was recognized as the tournament’s top ranked “attorney” and senior Anna Zoulis was one of seven participants to earn a “best witness” award.
The tournament, which was officially sanctioned by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA), served as a fitting warmup for the group of teams. Each will compete in a regional AMTA tournament at the University of Maryland School of Law later this month.
“This is such an incredible experience because it not only allows students to improve their analytical and oral advocacy skills, but it forces them to go outside of their comfort zones to reach their highest potential,” said Melanie Snyder, Professor of Law and coach of the Stevenson team. “It’s also wonderful in terms of team camaraderie. We met so many different teams and students along the way. This type of competition is unlike anything you could ever experience inside the classroom.”
The Charm City Classic Invitational Tournament was made possible by the financial support of the Murthy Law Firm. Engraved awards were donated by Bruce Robinson and Associates.
Stevenson University, known for its distinctive career focus, is the third-largest independent university in Maryland with more than 4,400 students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, and adult bachelor’s programs at locations in Stevenson and Owings Mills.