Saile Aranda
Assistant Editor
Court is in session at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. The Mock Trial Organization was established by two social studies major students in November 2024 in hopes to set a foundation for a law student community.
Jatziry Martinez, criminal justice sophomore and vice president of the Mock Trial Organization, explains a mock trial is an imitation of court procedures that gives real-life experiences to what the field of work entails. At the same time, it enhances public speaking skills, problem-solving skills, debate skills and a stronger sense of self-confidence.
Political science senior and president of the Mock Trial Organization, Victoria Quintanilla says what inspired the creation of the organization, was a class project Martinez completed. The project consisted of presenting a building they wanted A&M-San Antonio to have on campus.
Martinez proposed a law building for the political science, legal studies and criminal justice students where they could host mock trials and seminars for students.
This sparked a conversation between them and Quintanilla proposed the idea of creating a club where they could bring a law-study community together. Both decided to move forward with the project once a good amount of research was done.
“Everything took off really fast,” said Quintanilla “The moment we got approved [from Student Life] so many people reached out to us. They were excited and waiting for this to happen.”
“It just goes to show how much a law program is needed in TAMUSA” added Martinez
Quintanilla talked about the experience of pinning and leaving flyers all over campus trying to reach out to people that would like to be involved.
“I really wanted to expand to everybody because I know a lot of people that go into law school aren’t political science or criminology majors.” Quintanilla said about connecting with students who may be interested in related fields such as public speaking or debate.
Quintanilla talked about the “law-magnet” high school she attended where she had a mock trial class period and a practicing attorney teacher. Creekview High School in Carrollton, Texas, is where she had a “big spark” that helped her decide law study is what she wanted to pursue when continuing her education.
“That’s exactly why I wanted to bring it to TAMUSA,” said Quintanilla about not finding any clubs for her major when she began her college career “I want to give us the same opportunities other colleges have.”
Quintanilla explained the purpose of the Mock Trial Organization is to expand A&M-San Antonio’s law program, political science department and the criminology department. Quintanilla wants incoming students to not underestimate the university. She intends this organization to give students an equal opportunity to thrive in law school.
“We knew that because of our goals and what we wanted to achieve, we were going to need an adviser,” Quintanilla said about the conversation she had with Martinez about their needs as a student organization.
The Mock Trial Organization’s adviser is Selina Lugo, a professor from the Department of Criminology and Political Science.
Mock trials will alternate between criminal and civil cases. Members will take the roles of witnesses and attorneys, there will be opening statements, witness statements, the prosecution and the defense will present their case and members will study and interpret each case.
“We’re hopefully able to do small competitions and scrimmages,” Quintanilla said about their Spring 2025 goals when she was interviewed in December of 2024.
Now, the Mock Trial Organization will host their first Attorney Seminar where attorneys Alex Katzman and Shawn Mechler from Crosley Law Firm will advise attendees on writing cross and direct examinations, opening and closing statements and guidance for those interested in attending law school. The event is open for everyone and will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 28, 2025, in the Science and Technology building, Room 161.
“A lot of people have the misconception that mock trials are solely for law students,” Martinez said about welcoming a broader audience and not only law-related majors. “It’s for anybody who wants to be an advocate for anything they are passionate about.”
Martinez said the Mock Trial Organization exists to give students the tools for public speaking, critical thinking, flowing arguments and confidence. They envision building a community where everyone who wants a stronger future for themselves is welcome.
