Well… What is Mooting?
A simple question, but
it is surprising how many in the legal world, as well as outside it,
have no idea
what a mooting competition is.
In a moot, two pairs of 'advocates' argue a fictitious legal appeal
case in front of a 'judge' (normally a lecturer or postgraduate student).
To win, you do not necessarily have to win the legal case, but must
make the best presentation of your legal arguments.
Mooting is a useful supplement to a law degree, and many universities
and colleges make it a compulsory part of law courses, but it is also
possible, and very beneficial, for non-lawyers to moot. Very little
knowledge of law is required, but it is useful to know the legal principles,
which apply to UK appeal cases (the use of precedents etc.).
Why Moot?
Mooting is useful for developing legal
skills of analysis and interpretation, but also personal skills of argument
and public speaking. Most importantly of all, it is great fun. There
is nothing quite like the feeling of driving home a crucial point, or
defeating your opponents' arguments with irrefutable authority. To get
the most out of mooting, a lot of work is required, but as many experienced
mooters will tell you, it is well worth it!
Mooting is also useful, of course, for those considering a legal career,
either as a solicitor or barrister. Anyone applying for pupillage ...
should be a first rate lawyer with a degree of at least Class 2.2, experience
in a chambers would be helpful, and mooting or public speaking would
also be desirable.
Mooting and Mock Trials?
... are simply ‘mock courtroom advocacy’.
Mooting is where two pairs argue in favour of and against legal principles
in a case (usually appeals). Mock Trials are just that, with a Judge,
Jury, Witnesses, and submission of evidence. Both are valuable extra
curricula activities, practised nationally, and internationally, and
highly regarded as skills of analysis and public speaking, in many professions.
(This site is currently
under construction, and information such as mooting rules, and forms,
etc, will be posted here in good time.)
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