Along with legal knowledge, two of the most important
qualities that a law student must possess are advocacy and persuasion. Although classroom studies impart
adequate legal knowledge to the students, it is the participation in extracurricular activities such as moot
court that reinforces and further develops the necessary skills.
Moot court is an extracurricular activity in law schools that involves analyzing and arguing fictional cases,
or cases that have already been decided by a real court of law. The main purpose behind conducting moot court
activities is to give students a first-hand practical experience of practicing law.
This profession requires lawyers to accurately analyze the given facts, find patterns, prepare arguments and
face questions asked by the judges. Since practice makes perfect, moot court experience will go a long way in
preparing law students for the real courtroom experience.
As moot court activity is neither compulsory nor bound by any fixed guidelines, most colleges have devised
their own requirements. Though not compulsory, most law schools mandate students to participate at least once
in a moot court in order to be eligible for their law degree.
Generally, moot courts are sponsored by organizations that are interested in a specific field of law, such as
criminal law or constitutional law. The legal issues raised in a moot court pertain to an area that is
currently of interest in law.
In a typical moot court, students are given a hypothetical fact scenario to analyze. After taking sides,
students conduct detailed research, just as they would do as full-time lawyers.
They look for statutes, regulations and law that are relevant to the case at hand. The next step for students
is to draft an appellate brief, which would include their analysis, the facts considered and the argument to
be presented to the judge.
After the written appellate brief has been presented, students face a panel of judges for their oral
argument. This is a crucial phase as it tests the oratory, decision-making and time management skills of the
student.
Each student appears before a panel of judges, who are generally current judges, professors and senior
students. During the limited time given for presentation, the students are required to convince the panel of
their argument and answer any questions asked by the judges.
Moot court activity is generally not confined to just one college. Winning moot court teams from different
colleges are sent to the county competitions, and county champions are sent to the state finals.
Such extensive exposure prior to real courtroom cases makes a student more aware and more prepared to face
the real situation.
Along with gaining relevant practical exposure, participants of a moot court also develop networks with other
students, attorneys and judges. This networking plays a major role in getting internships and jobs in the
future.
It is for these reasons moot court participation should be voluntarily done by students in a law college. Not
just participation but hard work and dedication are essential for getting the maximum benefit out of this
exercise.•
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