Cherniak Cup Trial Advocacy

Omar Ha-Redeye participated in the Cherniak Cup Trial Advocacy competition at UWO. The competition is Western’s only trial advocacy competition.

A hypothetical fact situation is presented to the participants, who pair off in teams. Witnesses are examined and cross-examined, and each participant provides either an opening or closing statement. The competition is judged by practicing lawyers or real judges.

Omar Ha-Redeye teamed up with Lawrence Gridin, who was one of the finalists last year, and as a result represented Western in the 2008 OTLA Cup in Ottawa, sponsored by Doucet McBride LLP and Cooligan Ryan LLP.

The fact scenario this year involved in a plaintiff that went bungee jumping with his corporate peers.  He violated a number of the safety rules, including participation with a precluded medical condition (hypertension) and failing to extend the arms during the jump.  He also drank some alcohol prior to the jump, which was contraindicated by his allergy medications, and signed a waiver.

The bungee operator however had a history of violating the safety code.  In this specific instance, an automated machine indicated that the time between jumps had been reduced by the operator.  The time is what allowed the cord to retract to its original length, providing adequate elasticity.  The plaintiff in this case fell through the water to the rocks below, suffering a serious neck injury.

Omar did the examination-in-chief and closing statements for the event.