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The #1 Program in America

Forensics involves training in the art of advocacy, honing a student’s skills in research, critical thinking, and communication. Patrick Henry College has the strongest forensics program in the nation. 

 

PHCs 14th national championship 2025: PHC brings home its 14th National Moot Court Championship!

Trinity Klomparens and Sarah Fox defeated Yale University, earning PHC's 14th National Moot Court Championship title in oral advocacy. No other college in the nation has won more than twice! Additionally, James Staub won the 1st place award for individual oral advocacy.

Read the story here.

 

 

 

2 All-American awards PHC Mock Trial2024: PHC mock trial team earns 2 All-American awards and finishes 10th in their division

PHC's top mock trial team finished 10th in their division, with Caleb Knox and Joshua Revoir earning All-American awards at The American Mock Trial Association's National Championship!

Read the story here.

 

 

 

 

Transatlantic Dialogues-12025: PHC teams take 1st and 2nd in Transatlantic Dialogues West Tournament

Two PHC Civic Debate teams locked out the final round of the Transatlantic Dialogues West Tournament sponsored by the French War College, finishing ahead of teams from George Washington, Metropolitan State, Loyola Marymount, Pepperdine, and the US Air Force Academy.  Members of the winning team included Hannah Bruck, Ben Spivey, and Caleb Helsing. The other finalist team included Cooper Cobbs, Camille Rowley, and Mark Roose.

Read the story here.

 

 

Why forensics and pre-law at PHC?

 

Forensics competition prepares our students to excel in the public arena by teaching them to think deeply, speak articulately, and write persuasively.

Mock Trial photo 1-1

Patrick Henry College’s forensics program is the best in the nation. Our teams compete at the highest levels in Moot Court, Debate, and Mock Trial, and numerous championship banners and trophies demonstrate our heritage of excellence. Yet the most important aspect of our program is the dedication and focus of our coaches, students, and alumni on elevating Christ in everything they do.

The forensics program is a key differentiator for the college and is unique in both structure and results. We offer more forensics scholarships than any other college in the nation, and a significant portion of our students—scholarship and non-scholarship—benefit from the personal and spiritual growth our forensics program provides. Learn more through the links below!

 

 

 

Moot Court Rankings          Mock Trial Rankings      


Debate national rankings are not available.

 

Season Results (2023-24)

Season Results (2022-23)Season Results (2021-22)

 

 
“It’s really, really important to overcome fear in speaking, because sharing the Gospel requires the exact same skills. It’s not enough to just give speeches; we also have to be able to engage with someone back and forth.”
– Thomas Siu, Government, Class of 2018, AMCA National Champion
Johnson

Program Coordinator

Susan H. Johnson
Coordinator — Forensics Program
shjohnson@phc.edu | 540-441-8044

Sue served as the PHC Forensics Program Director from August 2019—July 2024, bringing more than a decade of prior coaching and organizational experience in high school and collegiate Mock Trial, Moot Court, and Debate to that role. As of August 2024, Sue will assume the role of Forensics Program Coordinator. 

Having served on the Boards of Directors for the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA), American Moot Court Association (AMCA), and National High School Mock Trial Competition (NHSMTC), she is deeply involved in the forensics community nationwide. Sue has been published in the North Carolina State Bar Journal and various newsletters and has authored or co-authored more than a dozen mock trial cases at the high school and collegiate levels. She earned her B.A., summa cum laude, and M.P.H., magna cum laude, from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, as well as a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. While in North Carolina, Sue was recognized as an NC “Woman of Justice” for her service to the legal profession and broader community. In her spare time, Sue enjoys hiking, traveling, and playing with their two active Aussiedoodle puppies. As a strong supporter of Patrick Henry College, Sue is passionate about developing young men and women to lead the nation and shape the culture for Christ. 

Forensics Photo Gallery

Haynes Class

Pre-Law Advising | Best in the Nation

By training leaders to communicate effectively, Christian students will be equipped to excel in their sphere of influence because they carry the truth for glory of God. 

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