Law students take part in an international mooting competition

Law students take part in international mooting competition

 

The University of Huddersfield Law School held its international mooting competition on Thursday 7 April, presided over by His Honour, Judge Roger Thomas QC of the Sheffield Crown Court.

The scenario focused on a criminal case on appeal from the Huddersfield Magistrates Court. Oral arguments were presented by six student barristers. A couple of law students represented each of the three parties in the case, two appellants and the respondent.

The competition is an extra-curricular activity for law students to boost their CVs and prepare future barristers for the courtroom. For most of the students, it was their first-time taking part. Law academics were pleased with the students' performances, as they were all well-prepared, professional, and addressed the judge correctly in the court. The participants went into a great deal of detail with the case to defend their arguments, drawing on evidence, different pieces of legislation, policies, and rights.

Mooting is an incredibly beneficial exercise for law students as it allows them to experience what it is like to be in a courtroom. It also helps students understand what type of career in law appeals to them. Mooting participant, Naila Hussain, said: "The experience you get from acting as a barrister in a fictional court, gives you an idea of whether you want to go down the barrister route or whether you want to do a solicitor route.” 

In such a competitive industry, extra-curricular activities such as mooting give students an advantage when they graduate due to the skills they can gain from the experience. Mooting participant, Muhammed Darwan, said: “I have gained confidence in public speaking, especially in front of a judge, someone who is trying to challenge your case. You must believe in yourself and the argument you are presenting.”

Law students can enhance their advocacy skills by participating in mooting as it prepares them for higher courts. The legal research aspect of the experience meant that students had to carefully manage their time to fully prepare for the competition through thinking critically about what arguments could come against them and writing individual speeches that they had to memorise.

“I have gained advocacy experience and legal research skills from helping prepare court documents and court bundles in a very time-constricted way, so it has helped me prioritise my time.” added Jessica Price, mooting participant.

The presiding judge delivered a judgment acquitting the appellants of the charges against them and reversing the judgement of the Magistrate Courts on some of the grounds argued by the appellants. The winning team, chosen by the Judge, was Jessica Price and Iman Sobri. Naila Hussain, who had taken part in a previous mooting competition, was chosen as the best participant.

Dr Paul Abba, Senior Law Lecturer and Director of Mooting said: “The student participants, students in the audience and members of the public thoroughly enjoyed the event and commented enthusiastically about the experience. The competition was well attended by students and members of the public in a packed courtroom in the Oastler Building on the campus. A big well done to our students Muhammed Darwan, Zaina Laiqat, Jessica Price, Imran Sobri, Naila Hussain and Fiza Ditta for participating. They did a terrific job.”

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