Welcome!
 
The George Mason University School of Law Moot Court Board comprises second, third, and fourth year law students and provides members with opportunities to develop skills in appellate advocacy.

2008-2009 Important Dates:
  • November 8 - Upper Class Competition (UCC) Preliminary Rounds
  • November 10-14 - Mooting Sessions for UCC Advancing Competitors
  • November 15 - UCC Advancing Rounds
  • November 18 - 8:00 p.m. - New Board Member Applications Due (Fall)
  • November 21 - 5:00 p.m. - UCC Finals and Reception at D.C. Circuit Courthouse
  • November 23-25 - New Board Member Interviews (Fall)
  • February 7 - Manne Moot Court Competition for Law & Economics
  • March 22-27 - Mooting Sessions for First Year Competition (FYC) Competitors
  • March 28 - FYC Preliminary Rounds
  • March 30-31 - Mooting Sessions for FYC Advancing Competitors
  • April 1-3 Mooting Sessions for FYC Advancing Competitors
  • April 4 - FYC Advancing Rounds
  • April 10 - 4:00 p.m. - FYC Finals at the E.D. Va. Courthouse


What is Moot Court?
Moot Court is a simulated trial or appellate-level legal argument made before a judge or panel of judges. Participants in a Moot Court competition present oral and written arguments about a legal question. Written arguments are usually submitted prior to the oral arguments, just as a written brief would be submitted to a court prior to the court hearing the matter. Participants are judged on both oral and written arguments.

Membership
Members are chosen based on several factors, including (1) the individual oral score from the first round of the First Year Competition; (2) a personal interview; (3) Legal Research, Writing and Analysis grades; (4) a writing sample; and (5) a personal essay.

What are the intramural Moot Court Competitions?
The GMUSL Moot Court Board sponsors two intramural competitions annually. The First Year Moot Court Competition is aligned with the second semester of the Legal Research, Writing, and Analysis program - Trial Level Writing, and held during the spring semester. The Upper Class Moot Court Competition is aligned with the third semester of the LRWA program - Appellate Writing, and held during the fall semester. First Year law students are required to participate in the First Year Moot Court Competition as a graduation requirement, while participation in the Upper Class Moot Court Competition is optional for all upper-class law students.

The competitions require students to present an oral argument before a panel of judges. Students will only be judged on the quality of the oral argument for the competition. Judges prepare for the competition by reviewing a bench brief prepared for the Appellate Writing class, thus they are familiar with the facts, case law, and relevant questions pertaining to whether to grant or deny the motion.
Judges score each competitor based on a variety of factors including: (1) content and persuasiveness of argument; (2) knowledge and use of legal authority; and (3) poise and effectiveness in responding to questions from the bench. Judges provide each competitor with verbal feedback after the arguments are completed. Written comments and numerical scores are recorded on score sheets and made available to students.

Why are the competitions important?
Written and oral advocacy are two basic legal skills required of any attorney, irrespective of the area of law practiced. Even attorneys who never appear before a court must explain legal principles, answer legal questions, and persuade clients to pursue a proper course of action.

Moot Court competitors develop the two basic skills through first-hand experience. Competitors receive feedback on oral argument style and presentation techniques from practicing attorneys and sitting judges. Additionally, would-be litigators gain an appreciation of the effort and preparation required for success in the courtroom.

The Moot Court Board is the primary body that represents GMUSL nationwide at national moot court competitions. The performance of competitors in the First Year Moot Court Competition and the Upper Class Moot Court Competition is considered by the Moot Court Board in selecting new members.

3301 North Fairfax Drive - Arlington, Virginia 22201
Tel: (703) 993-8158 - Fax: (703) 993-4470 - E-mail: mootct@gmu.edu