SHORT NOTES - MOOTS AND MOCK TRIALS

 1. Purpose of Moots & Mock Trials

 

 Written by Glanville Williams to explain:

 

   Importance of mooting and mock trials.

   How they work.

   How to conduct them.

 Goal: improve legal speaking skills, persuasion, confidence, and familiarity with court procedure.

 

 2. Importance of Oratory for Lawyers

 Speaking well is essential for every lawyer.

 Mooting helps students improve:

 

   Fluency

   Clear speech

   Persuasive argument

   Quick, structured presentation

   Confidence in court

 Public speaking practice is strongly encouraged.

 

 3. How Moots Are Organised

 Usually arranged by a Students’ Law Society, with help from:

 

   Faculty members

   Practising lawyers

 National and international moots mentioned:

 

   Weekly Law Reports Mooting Competition

   Observer Moot

   Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition

 

 4. Structure and Procedure of a Moot

 Organiser provides rules and details in advance.

 Normally includes:

 

   Two issues/points for argument.

   Two pairs of lawyers (Leader & Junior on each side).

 Skeleton arguments and list of authorities must be shared with opponents and judge beforehand.

 Helps clarify issues and save time.

 

 5. Reports of Cases & Time Use

 Ideally, physical law report volumes should be brought to the moot.

 If unavailable:

 

   Mooters prepare lists of authorities.

   Provide photocopies/printed judgments for everyone including judge.

 Time recommended: 30–40 minutes per side, divided between Leader and Junior.

 

 6. Courtroom Decorum

 Counsel and judges must follow real-life court etiquette.

 Key rules:

 

   Stand when addressing the court.

   Sit when opponent speaks.

   Refer to:

 

     Own team: “my learned leader/junior”

     Opponents: “my learned friend”

   Address judge as:

 

     “My Lord/My Lady” (direct address)

     “Your Lordship/Your Ladyship” (indirect reference)

 Standard opening formula:

 

 “May it please your Lordship(s), I appear with Mr/Miss ___ for the plaintiff/prosecution/appellant…”

 Female judges: “my Lady,” “Your Ladyship”.

 

 7. How to Present Arguments in Moots

 Start by outlining:

 

   What you intend to prove.

   Main points.

   Which points your junior will handle.

 Respond to the judge’s cues:

 

   If judge agrees with a point, move on.

 Main tips for oral advocacy:

 

   Speak slowly and clearly.

   Avoid reading the whole speech.

   Maintain eye contact.

   Avoid monotone voice.

   State key points strongly and pause briefly.

 

 8. Public Speaking Tips (from Williams)

 Prepare a structured speech with numbered points.

 Write the speech → edit → polish.

 Create a short summary for use during speaking.

 Practise repeatedly, but don’t memorise word-for-word.

 Use normal tone and pace.

 Don’t hide behind furniture.

 Have a friend watch and give feedback.

 

 9. What is a Mock Trial?

 Different from a moot:

 

   Moot = legal argument before a judge.

   Mock trial = simulated jury trial with witnesses.

 Features:

 

   Often humorous or entertaining.

   Witnesses and lawyers may dress up.

   Audience may include non-lawyers.

   Unrehearsed → requires strong forensic skills.

   Often structured like a “whodunit”.

 

 10. Two Ways to Prepare the Case

1. Witnesses act out the events beforehand

 

    More realistic, especially for cross-examination.

    Allows student “solicitors” to conduct interviews and prepare briefs.

 

2. Witnesses receive written statements

 

    Easier to arrange; witnesses memorise their roles.

 

 Use familiar locations and limit to 5–6 witnesses.

 

 11. The Game of “Alibi”

 Audience divided into small groups.

 Each group has:

 

   Two defence “suspects”

   Two prosecution lawyers

 Suspects create an alibi in 10 minutes.

 Each is cross-examined separately.

 Prosecution highlights contradictions.

 Jury votes based on inconsistencies.

 Helps students practise:

 

   Cross-examination

   Quick thinking

   Exposing contradictions

 

 12. Game of “False Evidence”

 Three masked defendants; one is fake (false identity).

 Counsel interrogates each to discover the imposter.

 Defendants and their witnesses submit written life summaries beforehand.

 Counsel tries to expose differences between testimonies.

 Jury decides which is false.

 Encourages:

 

   Analytical questioning

   Comparison of evidence

   Trial skills

 

 13. The “Third Degree” Game

 One defendant receives an outline alibi and must invent details under pressure.

 Can be “gonged” for:

 

   Hesitation

   “I think” answers

   Contradictions

 Others ask rapid questions for 15 minutes.

 Helps develop:

 

   Quick reasoning

   Maintaining consistency under stress

   Interrogation skills

 

 14. Overall Theme

 Moot courts and mock trials:

 

   Teach legal procedure.

   Build speaking and advocacy skills.

   Develop confidence and professionalism.

   Prepare students for real courtroom experiences.

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