A Moot Court is a simulated trial hearing, which essentially means that participants pretend to be lawyers. They will be given a fictional case and they then have to prepare their presentations according to the details described in that case. They will do this as part of either the Prosecution or Defence team. Each trial consists of three prosecution lawyers and three defense lawyers. Participants can all work together to prepare their arguments for the hearing, after which they can decide on everyone’s specific roles. All three members of a team will present a portion of the oral argument at the hearing, following the time patterns generally agreed upon. So, either Prosecution 1, 2 or 3 or Defense 1, 2, or 3. Each team member gets a certain time (usually between 5 and 7 minutes per participant).
When all the roles have been decided, the teams of lawyers for the defence and prosecution will each need to decide their tactics. They should discuss what they are trying to achieve, what arguments will be the most effective and who should present each argument.
The arguments of each team will be presented in front of actual judges attending the court hearings, and they will decide which teams advance to the semifinal and eventually final round.
The Judges will be encouraged to ask the lawyers questions during their arguments to help outline the positions of each side in the hearing and to challenge those positions to test the strength of the arguments.
The teams should speak slowly and clearly, concentrate on the best points, stick to the facts and the law, give their speeches a structure (while understanding that questions from the Judges may cause them to argue their points in a different form than what they had planned), keep in mind the available time and to not use insults regarding the other party.
Each Moot Court round is coordinated by a court monitor, who gives the floor to the speakers and keeps the time record, showing cards with the minutes left to argue for each team.
Politeness is key to success. Lawyers should start by introducing themselves and their colleagues.
A Moot Court is a simulated trial hearing, which essentially means that participants pretend to be lawyers. They will be given a fictional case and they then have to prepare their presentations according to the details described in that case. They will do this as part of either the Prosecution or Defence team. Each trial consists of three prosecution lawyers and three defense lawyers. Participants can all work together to prepare their arguments for the hearing, after which they can decide on everyone’s specific roles. All three members of a team will present a portion of the oral argument at the hearing, following the time patterns generally agreed upon. So, either Prosecution 1, 2 or 3 or Defense 1, 2, or 3. Each team member gets a certain time (usually between 5 and 7 minutes per participant).
A Moot Court is a simulated trial hearing, which essentially means that participants pretend to be lawyers. They will be given a fictional case and they then have to prepare their presentations according to the details described in that case. They will do this as part of either the Prosecution or Defence team. Each trial consists of three prosecution lawyers and three defense lawyers. Participants can all work together to prepare their arguments for the hearing, after which they can decide on everyone’s specific roles. All three members of a team will present a portion of the oral argument at the hearing, following the time patterns generally agreed upon. So, either Prosecution 1, 2 or 3 or Defense 1, 2, or 3. Each team member gets a certain time (usually between 5 and 7 minutes per participant).
Why should you participate?
First of all, this project is great for your personal development, it is an extremely valuable learning experience. Second, it is genuinely educational, in a non-formal setting taking place outside regular school activities. For those of you who have an interest in defending human rights, law, democracy or international affairs, participating will open up an amazing opportunity to learn more about these fields and broaden your interest. The project is a perfect opportunity to develop debating skills and gain respect for the rule of law. It introduces you to the work of the International Tribunals and teaches you concepts from international criminal law. And lastly, the fun element. Please do not think that this simulation game will be boring by any means. Once you are actually presenting your part to the judges, it will truly feel like you are a lawyer, and you will be proud of the evidence you have collected in order to defend rule of law and various rights. That is not to mention the amount of new people you can meet through this project.
Foundation Netherlands-Romania and its partners launched in premiere the Moot Court Europe project which reached its fifth edition. Teams from ten different countries attended the previous meeting in 2022. We invite you to also become part of our Moot Court wide network!
