The MSU Mock Trial Team might be young, but don't cross the members in the courtroom. The four-year-old team took eighth place in March at the American Mock Trial Association National Tournament in Richmond, Ky.

"Our program is getting better by leaps and bounds every year," said Pete Martini, a public administration and public policy senior and mock trial member.

He said that it is rare for a newer team to go to nationals. The MSU team has 13 members and is divided into two teams. Both teams received bids to compete at the competition after qualifying in the regional competition held at the University of Notre Dame.

Mock trial requires team members to act as attorneys and witnesses in a fast-paced courtroom simulation. Given the fictional case in September, students study the evidence and prepare both sides of the case - prosecution and defense. They travel to competitions and argue both sides against other teams. Actual attorneys and judges evaluate the teams' performances.

"It's really a knock-down, drag-out fight to see who's best," Martini said. Named "Best Attorney" at the national competition, Martini also is the president-elect for next year's team. His teammate, political theory and constitutional democracy senior Rich Fierens, won "Best Witness."

"It's incredible to see everybody pull out all the stops," Martini said, adding that people who can think on their feet usually are skilled at mock trial.

Martini said the team will take a break before beginning to prepare again in the fall.

"My goal for MSU is to consistently place in nationals," Martini said.