The 2L Grimes Moot Court Competition traditionally has been viewed as the most prestigious of all BCLS intramural competitions. Held January through mid-April, it is a valuable opportunity to hone written and oral appellate advocacy skills. Participation in the competition is a prerequisite to selection consideration for membership on third-year academic moot court teams. As a simulation of U.S. Supreme Court jurisprudence, the problems involve issues of Constitutional or federal statutory interpretation. The subject matter of the competition alternates annually between civil and criminal law.
Competition Format:
Teams are comprised of two students each. In January, the problem is released to participants, who submit 30-page appellate briefs by mid-February. All teams then participate in four rounds of oral argument, after which some move on to a series of elimination rounds. Approximately two weeks before the end of classes, the event culminates in a final round of two teams. During oral argument, each team has 20 minutes to present its side of the issue. As in all appellate advocacy, teams must be prepared for any questions asked by the judge in the midst of argument. Teams alternate arguing sides by the round.
Role of Attorney-Judges:
Judges preside over two rounds of argument in an evening, providing feedback to the teams, and ranking them on elements of their performances.
Evaluation Criteria:
Briefs are evaluated on their style, presentation, form, and sophistication. Oral arguments are evaluated based on orators’ knowledge of law, timing, flexibility, and poise.
Materials for 2006-2007 Participants:
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