The Carthage College Mock Trial team has completed its competition season. Olivia Artman from Cary, Illinois participated on the Red team and received a Best Attorney Award earlier in the season.
Mock Trial is offered as a course within the criminal justice department and is open to students of any major who are interested in law, criminal justice, politics, or debate. The course covers all aspects of trial court proceedings and the litigation process.
This year, the team competed in the American Mock Trial Association circuit. The tournament season ended in February in Madison, Wisconsin. The Carthage Red set a new record for highest all-time winning percentage for a season with a 26-5-1 record. During its invitational season, the Red team won two first-place trophies and one second-place trophy. Carthage also hosted the Dairyland Challenge Invitational in October 2025.
The Mock Trial program is led by associate professor of management Michael Phegley, adjunct professor Margaret Zienkiewicz, and alumna Liv Higgins, who serves as an assistant coach. Students act as attorneys and witnesses to learn about the U.S. court system while gaining practical experience in litigation and trial proceedings. Participants develop skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, and negotiation.
Carthage College was founded in 1847 and reports its largest enrollment ever this year. Located on Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Wisconsin between Chicago and Milwaukee, Carthage combines liberal arts traditions with hands-on learning opportunities.
Information from this story was sourced from MeritPages.com
