Prospective Students
What is Moot Court, otherwise known as Appellate Advocacy?
- Moot Court is a year-long program open to all 2Ls and 3Ls. The Spring semester course is optional.
- In Moot Court, students learn how to present arguments on appeal. In contrast, a trial practice course teaches students how argue at the trial court level. Each course develops a different set of skills.
What happens in the Fall Semester?
- Students enroll in Appellate Advocacy (410A).
- The Moot Court Board coaches students over the course of six weeks to help students improve oral advocacy skills.
- Student advocates present four competition-round arguments before panels of judges.
What happens in the Spring Semester?
- Students enroll in Appellate Advocacy (410B).
- Students write an appellate brief and judicial opinion.
- Teams of two advocates write the first brief together and participate in two competition-round arguments.
- Students write the judicial opinion individually, edited under the supervision of the professors. This brief may satisfy the writing requirement.
What is Neumiller?
- During the spring semester, the top two teams from the competition face off against each other in the Moot Courtroom before a panel of distinguished judges.
- The argument is open to the public.
Why should I participate in Moot Court?
- Have fun while developing appellate advocacy skills.
- Represent King Hall at outside competitions.
- Leverage an opportunity to win awards and boost your résumé.
- Satisfy the writing requirement.
- Gain eligibility to serve on the Moot Court Board.
- Gain eligibility for the Order of Barristers.