24 October 2005 111/05

 

A Moot point

 

The Southampton Solent University Mooting Competition, sponsored by LexisNexis Butterworths (LNB) who provide online access to a library of UK law, kicks off on Wednesday, 26 October with a special staff vs student challenge.

 

Two law lecturers Lars Mosesson and Paul Kavanagh will moot against level one Graduate Diploma students Lisa McLead and Will Blanchar in a fun debate to raise the profile of the LNB internal moot competition starting in November.

 

In a moot, a mock trial for students to practice for a career at the Bar, two pairs of 'advocates' argue a fictitious legal appeal case in front of a 'judge' (normally a lecturer or postgraduate student). One team becomes leading and junior counsel for the appellants and the other the leading and junior counsel for the respondents, although the 'mooters' may be judged as individuals or as a team. The moot is presided over by at least one judge who delivers a judgment at the end of the moot on the law and on the result of the moot itself. To win, you do not necessarily have to win the legal case, but must make the best presentation of your legal arguments.

 

Julian Samiloff, Moot Master and senior lecturer in Law, comments:

"For the students who intend to be barristers and solicitors mooting is a necessity, but it is important for all our students to participate. Right from the start of my participation in mooting I have witnessed huge improvements in student ability at all level in those students who take part. Mooting is even important to those thinking about non-legal careers. Mooting improves the ability to think clearly and speedily, to communicate effectively and with confidence, and gives students the confidence to take responsibility for their arguments."

Michelle McGrath, LLB level 2 student and Student Associate for LexisNexis Butterworths, adds:

"Mooting can be nerve-wracking but it's great fun and it really does help your understanding of the law. The important thing about this competition is to take courage and have a go. Legal research is really important and using the LexisNexis Butterworths resource can help you find that elusive bit of information that can help make your point and win the case!"

Southampton Solent University's mooting teams traditionally do well and in past competitions they have produced impressive wins against established teams from Reading University, Bristol University, London Guildhall, and University of Southampton.

 

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