Order in the Court

Article and photos by Katie Eisel, Alicia Mayfield, and Hailey Gilman/
M&M Staffers

At the Midland Marauders hockey game May 7th, 2003, a fight broke out on the ice. In the heat of the moment, Tony Stromanis knocked Michael Harman’s bare head into the boards. Stromanis died at the hospital that night, but because of a previously existing polycystic kidney disease, the cause of death is unknown. This is the case that was given to the Duke TIP students in Criminal Law/Mock Trial.


The students in this class had to learn the Federal Rules of Evidence, public speaking, rules of objection, and other official jargon involved in criminal court cases. With their teacher, Dane Wendell, presiding as judge the students had to present their case and make it plausible for the jury, while also abiding by the rules of court.

Though today’s trial was simply a practice, both students and staff took it seriously. The courtroom remained silent throughout testimonies and court rules and regulations were enforced.
Although some students took the class for fun, some are taking it more seriously. Becky Dorrell, one of the trial’s witnesses as a neurologist, wishes to pursue a career in law and eventually become an attorney. When asked about her favorite part of class, she said, “…when we talk about laws.” Brittney Spratt, the prosecuting attorney, takes another angle and said, “...making objections,” and admitted her least favorite parts of class are the long lectures.

Even though tensions rise and more objections are called, the students are still TIPsters at heart. In the middle of one of the testimonies, an objection is called, only to be fought back by the defending attorney, quite loudly. The instructor, Mr. Dane Wendell, just laughed and said, “Welcome to Mock Trial.”