Mooting 101: What is mooting?

Joey: All right, Rach. The big question is, “Does he like you?” All right? Because if he doesn’t like you, this is all a moo point.
Rachel: Huh. A moo point?
Joey: Yeah, it’s like a cow’s opinion. It just doesn’t matter. It’s moo.

Mooting 101: What is mooting?

If you’re considering law school, you’ll most likely be asked to participate in a moot. Contrary to popular belief, mooting isn’t the same as a debate or a speech. It is, however, a specialized application of persuasive advocacy.

A mooting competition simulates a court hearing (typically an appeal against a final decision). Participants analyze a given problem (“fact pattern”), research the relevant law, prepare written submissions, and present an oral argument to a judge.

Often, moot problems are set in areas of law that are unsettled or have recently undergone changes.

The procedure is similar to that of a real court: the judge enters, mooters bow to the judge and each other, the clerk announces the matter, the mooters give their appearances and present their submissions. The judge then asks questions of the mooters, the court adjourns, and the judge returns to provide a brief judgement and some feedback.

Lawyers in training have engaged in this art for centuries, and many law schools participate in mooting competitions.

Sounds easy, right? Not quite. But it is an excellent and rewarding opportunity to

• explore and think through complex legal issues;
• improve your advocacy, research, and writing skills;
• and work closely with and learn from your peers.

Want to know more about mooting? Here, Bond Law School breaks it down:

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Would you like more information about how you can study ? Please contact OzTREKK’s Law Admissions Officer at law@oztrekk.com.