BY: PHOEBE MCCLAREN
St. Bonaventure University’s mock trial team is preparing to argue a fictional negligence case involving a wildfire that killed 12 people at its annual Friar Faceoff tournament on Nov. 7-8.
The civil case, Ali Alekri et al. v. Midlands Gas and Electric, centers on whether the utility company is responsible for a wildfire that broke out after a car crashed into one of its utility poles on Jan. 1, 2026. According to the fictional case, police reports and witnesses indicated that the pole was leaning after the crash, but the company allegedly failed to send anyone to inspect it.
A fire later broke out near the crash site and spread along a clearing near the company’s power lines before reaching an energized power station. The fire took days to extinguish and killed 12 people. The victims’ families are suing Midlands Gas and Electric for negligence, claiming the company failed to properly maintain its equipment and take steps to prevent the fire.
Unlike previous years, when the team worked on criminal cases involving murder and suspicious deaths, this year’s case involves a civil lawsuit, in which one party sues another rather than the government prosecuting someone for a crime.
Cameron DuMont, a sophomore and treasurer of the mock trial team, said taking on the role of an attorney for the first time has been both exciting and challenging.
DuMont served only as a witness last year but will take on additional responsibilities this season. He will represent the victims’ families as an attorney and serve as a witness for the utility company’s defense. Preparing for both roles requires DuMont to memorize information about multiple characters, write questions for witnesses and deliver an opening statement.
The team has been practicing since they returned to campus this fall, according to Morgan McManus, a senior and vice president of the mock trial team. Members meet from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, to develop arguments, rehearse witness examinations and receive feedback from teammates.
“What is exciting is seeing new members coming in, jumping right into it, and doing really well,” said McManus.
McManus said one of the biggest challenges has been selecting witnesses who will strengthen the company’s defense. Some witnesses, known as swing witnesses, can testify for either side of the lawsuit, making their selection an important part of the team’s strategy.
AnneMarie Truesdall, a junior and secretary of the mock trial team, said the case relies heavily on expert witnesses and written reports, making it challenging for students to bring personality to their witness roles.
Truesdall said preparing for Friar Faceoff can feel rushed, especially with the unpredictable nature of courtroom arguments.
“We will be in the courtroom, changing our line of questioning on the fly because you never know what will come up,” said Truesdall.
Friar Faceoff will be the team’s first tournament of the year, featuring four three-hour trial rounds across two days. DuMont said the tournament gives the team an opportunity to test its arguments and strategies before regional competitions in the spring.
Friar Faceoff will take place in the basement of Plassmann Hall and is free and open to the public. Opening and closing ceremonies will be held in the library. Spectators cannot wear clothing or display items with St. Bonaventure branding because doing so could create bias among judges.
Truesdall said feedback from judges, attorneys and former mock trial members helps the team identify areas for improvement. Despite the challenges of preparing for the competition, DuMont said the relationships he has built through mock trial are what make the experience worthwhile.
“I do mock trial because I love the memories I make with the people there,” said DuMont.
