What is mooting?
What is a Moot?
A moot is a mock court proceeding in which students compete at legal advocacy. Moot court competitions simulate real court proceedings. Usually this will be an appeal to an appellate court, but there are many different moots reflecting different kinds of legal proceedings (eg mock trials, arbitration, international court). Mooting develops advocacy skills and students learn to prepare and present legal arguments. It is a kind of public speaking, but it involves the specific skill of persuasive legal advocacy.
Why Take Part in a Moot?
Mooting is a well established part of legal education. At Glasgow, students will participate in mooting as part of their first year courses (on either Obligations 1B or Tort). Mooting enhances skills in preparing and presenting legal arguments. Students get experience in researching and analysing (often) complex legal issues, drafting written arguments, and presenting submissions persuasively.
Most moots involve teams (usually of two), and mooting gives the opportunity to develop teamwork skills and learn from your peers.
The skills developed through mooting are often of interest to employers (some of whom may have mooted themselves).
It is intellectually stimulating, challenging, and a lot of fun.