Mooting Catch up Tips!
- Nov 12, 2014
- 3 min read
Hellooo Everybody!
Wow it is getting a lot darker and more cold very quickly now! But the beauty of this is that the early christmas decorations shine so brightly and bring a warmth to our hearts! (I have no regrets if this sounds cheesy!)
Anyway, the Mooting Masterclass event was great, but for those of you who missed out, do not fear, Bar Society Blogger Asha is here! :D
Here are the notes I took from the Mooting Masterclass, I hope you find them useful!
Most moots are based on a point of law. The facts are not in dispute as they have already been resovled.
The modes of address in a Court of Appeal would be my lord / my lady
When it comes to presenting a moot you will also have to prepare a skeleton arguement. This is literally what it says on the label! Your skeleton arguement is the bare bones of the argument. So in your skeleton arguement you should try and fulfil the following criteria:
Be brief
Be persuasive
Be attractive - make use of bold and italic fonts when citing authorities
In a moot you will be assessed on:
Time Keeping - Ensure you keep an eye on the time, keep a watch in front of you, or make sure you have a clock in front of you, or even your mobile (providing it is on silent!) And make sure you finish early! "My Lord those are my submissions, unless you wish me to submit anything else?"
Judicial Intervention - If the judge interupts you, then it shows that you were doing a good job! It's a compliment! They are on your side and they want to make sure you're right!
Preparation - If you prepare both sides then you can anticipate the likely questions which may arise!
Presentation - Okay, I think we can all agree, that if you are presenting your moot in a hoodie, jeans and trainers then it does not give a good impression! Lesson no. 7 = Dress Smart! Act the Part!
Helpful tips!
- Highlight key passages in your skeleton arguement and use colourful tabs - this is so you have something to refer to as well as the judge! - "My Lord may I ask you to turn over to tab 3?" This is also effective on saving time
- The Golden Rule for Respondents is to start strong! - The first thing you say should be a strong blow to your opponent! Be Strong!
- Familiarise yourself with the names of the appellants and the respondents!
- Ensure that the judge is familiar with the papers or case - "My Lord have you had an opportunity to read the papers?"
- Channel your nerves! The more you learn from your nervous performances the better the advocate you will be!
- Signpost what you are about to say - "My Lord I will now be referring to the case of Donoghue and Stevenson"
- Don't break the rules of how many authorities you can cite!
- There are 2 outcomes when it comes to winning a moot. You can either win on the law or you can win on the adovocacy. The art of persuasion is to find in your favour!
AND IF YOU DO NOT KNOW THE ANSWER THEN ASK FOR A MOMENT! - 15 seconds maximum!
- Do not underestimate the power of the pause!
- Vary your tone of voice - practise speaking in front of a mirror!
- Have a good posture! - feet apart!
Stick to your guns!
MOST IMPORTANTLY...Have fun! :)
Author: Asha Mistry (Magazine Editor of the Bar Society - LLB Law, Second Year)
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