Halifax Community College recently held a cross-curriculum mock trial titled The People v. Taylor Copeland that featured a collaboration between the college’s Nursing and Criminal Justice Technology programs. 

Nursing instructors Kara Clary and Tia Alfonso joined forces with Criminal Justice Technology Program Chair Gary Redding to design this immersive educational experience. 

The mock trial allowed students to explore how healthcare providers and legal professionals must work collaboratively to address ethical challenges in real-world scenarios.

The case revolved around Nurse Taylor Copeland. She was accused of misdemeanor assault for allegedly using excessive force while administering medication to a pregnant patient, Dominique Webster. Webster had been admitted to Halifax-Northampton Hospital’s labor and delivery unit for elevated high blood pressure. 

The trial included a roster of witnesses and participants. Nursing students took on key roles, including the defendant, Nurse Taylor Copeland (Nadya Okulova), and the alleged victim, Dominique Webster (Heather Miles). 

Additionally, nursing students portrayed other key witnesses, such as Michael Webster (Mark Minish), the alleged victim’s husband. Dr. Aubrey Mitchell (Raequan Outlaw) was the attending physician who ordered the medication. Nurse Cameron Alvarez (Megan Waldrop), a fellow nurse on duty, and Rachel Turner (Savannah Myrick), the head nurse, provided testimony on their observations and hospital protocols.  First-level nursing students also took on the role of the 12-member jury.

Criminal justice students Matthew Winstead and Thomas Lynch represented the prosecution and defense, respectively, and showcased their legal research, analytical reasoning, and public speaking skills. 

Faculty members enriched the experience by participating in critical roles.  Anna Martinez, a fellow patient who observed Dominique Webster in visible distress, was played by nursing success coach Brittney Ward. Nursing adjunct instructor Michael Clay portrayed Daniel Fisher, the hospital administrator who investigated the allegations. Nursing Program Chair Sarah Harris portrayed an expert witness.

Faculty support extended to procedural roles as well, including Basic Law Enforcement Training Director Alfred Braxton serving as the bailiff and administrative assistant Octavia Woodley serving as the courtroom clerk.

“This event was an outstanding example of interdisciplinary learning,” said Patrena B. Elliott, HCC’s president. “By bringing together nursing students, criminal justice students, and faculty expertise, the mock trial created an opportunity for everyone involved to deepen their understanding of complex professional responsibilities.”