In the fall of 2002, Loyola student Sarah Wake approached Mike Walsh about starting a mock trial program. They succeeded, and gathered enough interest to field a team for the 2003 AMTA Regionals. The team worked hard, but unfortunately was not able to finish the tournament due to some members not returning for the second day. While it was certainly a rough start, without this team's spark the Loyola Mock Trial program would never have grown into what it is today. The first ever Loyola Mock Trial case was a civil one, Smith v. Thompson. On February 8, 2002, Derric Smith, a seven-year-old boy, died as a result of allegedly being struck by a vehicle in front of his home in State Center, Midlands. J.J. Thompson, the defendant, is being sued by the parents of Derric Smith for allegedly hitting their son, thereby causing his wrongful and untimely death.

Will County Regional Mock Trial Tournament - 494
D vs. Illinois; -15, -24
P vs. Benedictine; -24, -11
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0-8, CS: 8, PD: -74
 
Tab Summary: http://web.archive.org/web/20050127220050/www.collegemocktrial.org/regionalresults/willcountyregional.doc