What is mooting?
A Roman law moot court competition is a fictional court hearing. The facts of the case are set by the libellus.
Participants have to analyse the libellus and find legal arguments to support the plaintiff’s or the defendant’s side. Each team consists of a senior and a junior counselor.
The research of the legal authorities is vital to support the arguments used at the hearings.
The plaintiffs are the first to bring forth their arguments. Each team has 20 minutes to argue the case. After the plaintiffs, the defendants try to convince the judges that their arguments are stronger and should be followed. The plaintiffs then have the opportunity to rebut to the arguments brought up by the defendants.
The judge’s bench is occupied by three judges, one of whom presides.
After the pleadings have finished the judges consult and provide the participants with feedback.