What is Mooting?

A moot is a simulated contest in which opposing pairs of counsel (four speakers, divided into two teams, each consisting of a leading and junior counsel) orally argue a fictitious legal appeal case (the moot problem) in front of a 'judge' in an appellate court, within a set amount of time (15 to 20 minutes).

To win you do not necessarily have to win the legal case, but must make the best oral presentation of your legal arguments. One team represents the appellants, the other the respondents. The presiding judge is supported by the clerk of the moot who also times the moot speeches. For the duration of their arguments the mooters are required to maintain the appropriate courtroom manner (remembering, amongst other things, to address the court and fellow counsel in the accepted form). The judge will deliver a judgment at the end of the moot on the law and on the result of the moot itself by indicating which team mooted most skilfully. The second judgement, not the first, determines the victors of the moot.