BYU Law students became real-world appellate advocates before the Utah Court of Appeals in a special argument session in BYU Law’s Moot Courtroom on November 15, 2023. The four-judge panel included BYU Law graduates David N. Mortensen, ‘93, John D. Luthy, ’00, and Ryan D. Tenney, ’03, as well as Harvard Law graduate Amy J. Oliver. Oral arguments included two criminal-law appeals. The first case examined the improper admission of character and hearsay evidence; the second objected to a stream of questions that led a witness to invoke her privilege against self-incrimination nearly 50 times before the jury.
Jaden Steeves, Paige Skousen, Ryder Seamons, and Becca Barker, all 3L BYU Law Trial Advocacy Team members, were prepared and poised. As they were peppered with questions, each team member presented clear arguments and impressed the court. Judge Tenney lauded the students’ briefs and oral advocacy.
Afterward, the judges shared advice for future trial attorneys. They advised, “Answer the question! Even if it’s not to your advantage.” Judge Luthy emphasized that judges “arrive leaning” and , consequently, briefs are more important than oral argument. He urged students to master the law and the record so they are prepared to engage in a conversation at oral argument rather than delivering prepared statements. Judge Tenney agreed, observing that “the podium can create tunnel vision.” These BYU Law students were anything but blinded–they were exemplary.
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