Griffith Law moot maestros win national torts competition

15 September 2016

Griffith law students have taken out the QUT Torts Moot competition for the first time, successfully arguing a medical negligence case.

Charlotte Roache and James Vercoe from the Griffith Law School saw off the challenge from the University of Sydney in the grand final at the Banco Law Court, Brisbane to claim the prestigious title.

Griffith moot maestros win national torts competition
Moot winners James Vercoe and Charlotte Roache with coach Dr Kylie Burns (centre) (Photo credit: Griffith University)

This year’s problem related to medical negligence, and the question of whether a doctor had failed his pregnant patient in relation to the planning and management of the birth.

“It was great to learn about an area that has practical significance to our everyday lives,’’ Charlotte said.

“Knowing what the law requires of our doctors when they advise patients and mooting that question in front of judges who actually decide these matters, gives you an invaluable insight into how the law and the medical profession intersect.”

Moot coach Dr Kylie Burns said Charlotte and James were an outstanding team.

“They had a deep knowledge of the subject matter, remained calm under pressure and were confident in their submissions,” she said.

Griffith was one of only four teams to advance to the semi-finals. They were joined by the University of Sydney, UQ and UTS. The grand final saw Griffith meet the only other undefeated team in the competition, the University of Sydney.

The final was judged by Justices Mullins and Applegarth of the Queensland Supreme Court, and Judge Kent QC of the District Court.

This is the second time that Charlotte and James have won a national moot. In 2015 they won the Michael Kirby National Contracts Moot in Melbourne (with fellow student Dean Aitchison), as well as picking up numerous other team and individual prizes.

Canadian Law Electives

The Bachelor of Laws (graduate entry) at Griffith Law School offers a professional legal curriculum that focuses on core areas of legal practice and the legal skills that lawyers must have. You will have the opportunity to choose law electives based on your interests, including clinical courses that emphasize practical legal skills, insights and experience. The following courses are taught in Year 3 as optional electives to assist students who wish to return to Canada to practice:

  • Foundations of Canadian Law
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  • Canadian Constitutional Law
  • Canadian Administrative Law
  • Canadian Legal Professional Responsibility

Program: Juris Doctor
Location: Gold Coast, Queensland
Semester intake: February
Duration: 3 years

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