MLK Civil Rights Trial Competition Draws Top Teams to Sacramento
UC Davis Law hosted the fifth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Trial Competition, held Oct. 14-16 at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California in Sacramento.
The tournament drew exceptional student advocates from 18 schools from across the country, including USC, Duke, Florida State, Stetson, and Fordham University. Top honors were ultimately claimed by Stetson in a close final round victory against USC.
The three days of competition were efficiently and effectively administered by King Hall Trial Practice Honors Board President Ariel Mendlin ‘23, with the assistance of Seton Talty ‘24, Sarah Levett ‘24, the MLK Committee and the members of the Honors Board who performed bailiff duties in every round of the competition.
Special thanks to U.S. District Court Judge Troy Nunley, presiding judge for the final round, and the many volunteers who judged, scored, and offered guidance and critique after each round. Judges included several Davis alums and other professionals who in some cases traveled multiple hours to support this event. Competition rounds were observed by family, friends, and program supporters, including several members of the King Hall 1L class.
Special thanks to King Hall graduate and former Trial Practice Honors Board President Tanvi Shah ‘19, who returned for a fifth year to administer the tabulation of scores and who secured a generous donation and event sponsorship by her firm. Her dedication and commitment to this program is greatly appreciated.
The unwavering support of UC Davis Law Dean Kevin R. Johnson, Senior Associate Dean Afra Afsharipour, Senior Assistant Dean Emily Scivoletto and Professor Emeritus Ed Imwinkelried has been crucial to the success of the competition over the years.
Finally, UC Davis Law would like to thank Magistrate Judge Dennis Cota ’86, a longtime trial practice instructor and coach at UC Davis Law and founder of the annual MLK competition. Each year, Judge Cota writes the case file -- based on a foundation of recent U.S. Supreme Court cases -- that lays out the civil rights issues to be tried by the student advocates. Judge Cota also serves as presiding judge for several rounds of the competition and oversees arrangements for a competition venue, among many other contributions.