Mock Trial

OCLRE is excited to release the 2024 Ohio Mock Trial Case! In the case State of Buckeye v. Ash Espinosa, students will examine the history and application of the Excessive Fines Clause of the Eighth Amendment. Specifically, this case looks at excessive fines in the context of property forfeiture resulting from a crime. The defendant, Ash Espinosa, has pled guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. The State is now looking to recover the loss of the conspiracy by seizing Espinosa’s 1967 Chevrolet Camaro. However, Espinosa argues against the Camaro’s seizure for two reasons: 1) Espinosa asserts that the State has seized more property and funds than what Espinosa owes and 2) Espinosa argues that, even if the Court determines that Espinosa is responsible for the remaining loss, seizure of the Camaro would violate Espinosa’s Eighth Amendment right against excessive fines.