Order in the Court: Eunomia Puts on Mock Trial

The History and Political Science Department is hosting its bi-annual mock trial for interested students to take part.

By Abigail Ensinger | March 19, 2026

Eunomia, Huntington University’s pre-law club, is a little-known organization on campus that helps students learn more about our justice system. One of the ways they do this is through mock trials, simulated courtroom proceedings that allow students to experience how criminal or civil cases work.

The case of this mock trial is a civil case called Kissner v. Polk Hospital, in which a hospital is being tried for negligence after discharging a mentally ill patient who assaulted someone upon release.

Victoria Hildebrand, the Eunomia president, is a senior pre-law, political science, history, international and development studies, entrepreneurial small business management, and Bible and theology major. She said that the basis of the case “was to see if it was the hospital’s fault for releasing him when they shouldn’t have because he wasn’t mentally stable.”

Department Chair of History and Political Science Dr. Jeff Webb shared that the process of creating their case “makes you much more observant and careful, and it makes you anticipate where the arguments you want to make are going to be exposed to scrutiny.”

Many students are excited for the opportunity to have a retired judge present at this trial. “He’s going to have the expertise, and we’re also going to be able to learn from him through the process,” said Hildebrand.

While political science students regularly engage in discussions and debates in their classes, the mock trial is a unique opportunity for all students to test their skills in a professional setting.

“As a history student, I have engaged in lawyer-like thinking throughout my college career, and I find that debates and mock trials allow me to apply these lessons in a quasi-professional context,” Nasir commented.

This is an especially good opportunity for those in pre-law because they can “apply [their skills] in a way that is directly related to what we’ll do in our future, in our career,” said Hildebrand, reflecting on her own journey towards law school.

The mock trial is not just a place to learn for those taking part; it is also informative for those who come to watch. “It’s a really great education on how our legal system works,” said Dr. Webb.

While mock trials are educational, they can also be fun and engaging. Nasir said, “Think about your favourite courtroom drama—this mock trial will vaguely resemble that!”

Going to watch the mock trial is a fantastic way to support and encourage fellow students. “I think it’s fun to see your peers in a slightly different role. You know, they’re kind of taking on the role of a professional,” commented Webb.