Northwestern State University has launched a competitive mock trial team, the “Demons of Due Process,” marking its entry into national collegiate competition through the American Mock Trial Association.
The team recently made its debut to strong support from the local legal community, including the court where its coaches actively practice.
Leading the program are K. Jacob Ruppert, a 20-year veteran of the state judiciary who currently serves as Court Counsel and District Hearing Officer for the local state court, and Dr. Rebecca Riall, NSU’s Pre-Law and Paralegal Studies Coordinator. Riall also maintains an active litigation practice and serves as District Hearing Officer for the 11th Judicial District Court in Sabine Parish.
The team currently consists of eight students and is led by Hannah Gore and Hailey Wolff.
The program is designed to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world legal practice. Students build cases using authentic evidence and applicable law, then present arguments before judges and juries in simulated courtroom settings. Ruppert will also lead the team’s academic component through a three-credit, senior-level mock trial course.
“Our PLPS classes mirror exactly what students experience in law school—and this mock trial course takes it a step further, giving them a raw unfiltered look at what litigation is really like,” Ruppert said.
The mock trial team represents a continued expansion of NSU’s Pre-Law and Paralegal Studies program, which has grown steadily and aims to prepare students for immediate success in law school or professional legal careers.
