Special Lecture on ‘How to Prepare for a Moot Court Competition?’

Event Date: 11.10.2024

Event brief description

The special lecture on "How to Prepare for a Moot Court Competition" was organized by the Moot Court Society with the objective of providing students with expert guidance on the key aspects of preparing for moot court competitions. The event featured distinguished speakers, Prof. Shashank Shekhar and Prof. Yash, who provided valuable insights into strategic approaches to research, drafting memorials, and preparing for oral arguments.

Prof. Shashank Shekhar discussed how students should analyze moot problems, conduct effective legal research, and formulate structured and persuasive legal arguments. He emphasized the importance of understanding the moot problem thoroughly and suggested using reliable databases like SCC Online and HeinOnline to gather relevant case law and statutes.

Prof. Yash focused on the skills needed to write compelling memorials and presented practical tips for excelling in oral advocacy. He explained the format and structure of memorials and advised students on how to present their arguments effectively in front of judges.

The event concluded with a highly interactive Q&A session, where students asked about strategies for managing time, handling difficult questions, and balancing memorial drafting with oral practice.

Event Detailed Description

The event began with a warm welcome from the Moot Court Society coordinators, introducing the speakers, Prof. Shashank Shekhar and Prof. Yash. The coordinators stressed the importance of moot courts in shaping legal careers and expressed their intent to help students develop the skills necessary to excel in these competitions.

Session by Prof. Shashank Shekhar: Strategic Approach to Moot Court Preparation

Prof. Shashank Shekhar opened the lecture by discussing how to formulate a comprehensive strategy for moot court competitions. He covered several key points:

Analyzing the Moot Problem: Prof. Shekhar emphasized the need for students to thoroughly understand the moot problem before diving into research. He recommended reading the problem multiple times, identifying the legal issues involved, and mapping out potential arguments for both sides of the case. This approach, he suggested, ensures a deeper understanding of the problem and allows participants to craft more convincing arguments.
Researching Effectively: He also provided a detailed guide on legal research methods, highlighting the importance of efficiency in gathering relevant case law, statutes, and academic writings. He encouraged students to explore legal databases like SCC Online and HeinOnline, and to keep their research focused on the issues identified in the problem. Prof. Shekhar advised students to prioritize authoritative and up-to-date sources to support their arguments.
Formulating Legal Arguments: After gathering research, Prof. Shekhar explained how to structure legal arguments in a logical and persuasive manner. He stressed the importance of clarity and coherence in presenting arguments, and suggested that students always prepare counterarguments to strengthen their case.

Session by Prof. Yash: Mastering Memorial Writing and Oral Advocacy

In the second session, Prof. Yash focused on the skills necessary for drafting memorials and preparing for oral arguments. His session covered:

Memorial Writing: Prof. Yash began by explaining the format and structure of memorials, highlighting sections such as the statement of facts, issues raised, arguments advanced, and prayer for relief. He underscored the importance of adhering to the competition’s specific rules regarding formatting, word limits, and citation styles. Prof. Yash advised students to ensure their memorials are concise and well-organized, with each argument supported by legal authorities.
Oral Arguments: Prof. Yash then turned to the preparation required for oral submissions, offering insights on how to present arguments clearly and confidently in front of a panel of judges. He stressed that moot court competitions are not just about legal knowledge but also about presentation skills, which include being articulate, maintaining eye contact, and responding to judges’ questions confidently. Prof. Yash encouraged students to conduct regular practice sessions and rehearse their arguments in front of peers or mentors to refine their delivery.

Interactive Q&A Session

The lecture was followed by an engaging Q&A session where participants raised questions about common challenges in moot court competitions. Students sought advice on handling difficult or unexpected questions from judges, managing time effectively during oral rounds, and balancing between memorial drafting and practicing oral submissions.

Prof. Shekhar and Prof. Yash provided practical tips, including the importance of anticipating difficult questions and preparing concise responses. They also discussed time management strategies, encouraging students to practice time-limited presentations to get comfortable with the pacing required in real competitions.

Department Name – School of Law

Event Outcome

The special lecture successfully achieved its goal of providing students with practical strategies for preparing for moot court competitions. The lecture equipped participants with a comprehensive understanding of the entire process, from formulating arguments to drafting memorials and delivering confident oral submissions.