Family dedicates courtroom in his name
The family of Arthur H. Stoup has given would-be litigators at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Law a new place to polish their skills and practice their training. The new Arthur H. Stoup Courtroom will be unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:15 p.m. on Friday, April 30, near the UMKC School of Law’s E.E. “Tom” Thompson Courtroom, 500 E. 52nd St. A welcome reception will kick off the event at 4:30 p.m. and will continue after the dedication.
Stoup, president of Arthur H. Stoup & Associates, P.C., is a member of the University of Kansas City (now UMKC) School of Law class of 1950. A life-long attorney who led the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association and the Missouri Bar Association, Stoup has been recognized by the community for his contributions to the legal profession. He is a member of the UMKC Trustees and an active emeritus trustee of the UMKC Law School Foundation. Stoup’s son, David, also is a UMKC School of Law graduate.
The courtroom construction project began last fall, creating a jury box, judge’s bench, lawyer’s tables and a spectators’ area. The courtroom is intentionally modeled after ones used by Jackson County.
The amount of time students can spend in realistic courtroom settings allows them to become familiar with the environment, learn to function logistically in real time and prepare themselves for mock trial and moot court competitions. Video will allow students to critique their presentations immediately or later, with advice and suggestions provided by faculty.
“The dedication of the Stoup Courtroom takes us one step closer to moving our excellent advocacy program to premiere status,” said Ellen Suni, UMKC School of Law Dean. “We thank the Stoup family for their generosity and are thrilled that Art, a long-time leader in the legal community, is being honored in this way.”
Members of the Stoup family will be on hand for the grand opening.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience.