Instructors and students from Halifax Community College’s Nursing and Criminal Justice Departments recently collaborated to conduct its first joint mock trial based on a medical malpractice case.
Nursing instructors and registered nurses Kara Clary and Tia Alfonso partnered with Criminal Justice department head Gary R. Redding to provide students with an experiential learning project in Clary’s Legal Issues in Nursing class.
Student defense attorney and CJC student Thomas Lynch represented Tracy Newman, played by nursing student Lindsey Rowland, and student plaintiff attorney and CJC student Jordan Walker represented Laura Newman, played by nursing student Melissa Williams.
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The premise of the trial was that Laura Newman sued Tracy Newman, her sister-in-law and a nurse, because she alleged that Tracy provided her with medication without proper directions.
In preparation for the mock trial, the instructors met with the students so they could practice opening and closing statements, questioning witnesses, testifying, and using exhibits.
The witness list included family members and medical professionals played by nursing students.
The expert witnesses were played by HCC adjunct instructors and registered nurses Lori Pepper and Michael Clay.
The jury was made up of 12 first level nursing students.
The jury foreman, played by Allyson Harden, announced that they found Tracy Newman not guilty based on legal arguments and expert witness testimony.
After the verdict Redding, who presided as judge, Clary, and Alfonso congratulated all of the students for being punctual, prepared, and professional during the practice sessions and mock trial.
HCC President Patrena B. Elliott said, “Today, HCC’s students proved they will transform our healthcare and criminal justice industries in positive and productive ways. I’m so proud of you all and look forward to next year’s mock trial.”