Mooting Competition - the general rules for 2008

Outline: Any students knocked out of the 'Mooting Competition' will remain in classes to watch those participating. All students that are knocked out of the competition (with the exception of those who reach the Semi-Finals/Grand Final) will be required to produce a detailed 'written legal opinion' on one of the moot scenarios (using case law) by no later than noon on Monday of the final week of the 'Mooting Competition' [if a student only undertakes one Moot and is knocked out of of the 'Mooting Competition' they will need to underake two 'written legal opinions'). The 'written legal opinions' will be assessed by one of the judges and a prize will be given to the writer of the best 'legal opinion' at the Grand Moot final.

(1)  Prior to the start of the Competition (i.e. after the AS Exams) there should be approx a week of lessons outlining the principles of Criminal Law - 'Necessity and Duress'.

(2)  Students will be paired into Law Teams (if students have a preference they may advise of the relevant Laws Teacher of that preference).

(3)  Once formulated, Law Teams will be given a number that relates to class and team (e.g. A1, A2 etc). After the first round, students can change partners if it is agreed with the relevant Laws Teacher.

(4)  Four moots exist, with a draw-taking place for all elements. First the appellants, then respondents and then the moot (1, 2, 3, or 4).

(5)  A Moot Clerk may be chosen/agreed by the two teams in consultation with the Judge/Laws Teacher.

(6) The dates for each moot are chosen by the Judge/Laws Teacher and should not be arranged to suit the convenience of the moot participants (though if all parties [including the Judge] are in agreement, a date can be set that fits in with the overall programme). Should a team, or one of its members, fail to turn up for a moot they will be automatically disqualified from that competition and offender(s) likely to face disciplinary proceedings before Dr Jepson. Illness is generally not an excuse (medical notes will be required) - since you cannot let your team and/or your client down.

 (7)  Click HERE for the rules and marking criteria applicable in the moot. The Judge/Laws Teacher can vary rules and procedure if they feel it is necessary.

 (8)  The aim of the Team Competition is to get a winning team from each class - with the winners from each class competing against each other in the semi-finals. All students will be invited to watch the semi-finals.

(9)  If possible, the judges for rounds of the Team Competition shall be Dr Jepson and a relevant Laws Teacher (Dr Jepson to be the senior judge).

• The Final of the Team Competition to be held in Coopers’ Hall.
• All students are expected/required to attend/watch the Moot Final.
• Any student who fails to submit their 'written legal opinion(s)' by the required date will need to undertake that work and some 'additional work' for the start of term and will face disciplinary proceedings.

Any appeal, in relation to any elements of the Mooting Competition(s), should be placed in writing and submitted to Dr Jepson for his consideration. The final arbiter, of any dispute in relation to the competition(s), is Dr Peter Jepson.