Special Lecture on ‘Legal Research and Drafting for Moot Court Competition

Event Date: 25.10.2024

Event brief description

The special lecture, organized by the Moot Court Society, aimed at equipping law students with the necessary skills to effectively research and draft legal documents for moot court competitions. Prof. Shreya Bajpai and Prof. Rajat Dixit led the sessions, with Prof. Bajpai focusing on the fundamentals of legal research and Prof. Dixit covering the intricacies of drafting legal documents such as memorials. The lecture was an engaging and practical session that bridged the gap between theoretical legal knowledge and its application in competitive settings.

Key highlights of the lecture included:

• Prof. Bajpai’s insights on conducting thorough legal research and forming arguments based on credible resources.
• Prof. Dixit’s expert guidance on the structure and clarity required in drafting memorials, including practical tips for persuasive argumentation.
• The interactive Q&A session allowed students to address specific concerns about the competition preparation process, such as handling ambiguous laws and structuring their arguments effectively.

Event Detailed Description

The lecture began with a warm welcome from the Moot Court Society’s coordinators, who highlighted the importance of moot court competitions in honing legal skills. The participants, mostly law students gearing up for national-level moots, were briefed about the objectives of the session, emphasizing the relevance of legal research and drafting in their academic and professional journeys.

Session by Prof. Shreya Bajpai: Fundamentals of Legal Research

Prof. Shreya Bajpai opened the first segment of the session with an in-depth discussion on the fundamentals of legal research, focusing on how to conduct effective research for moot court competitions. She addressed the following key areas:

• Understanding the Case Facts: Prof. Bajpai emphasized that before delving into research, students must have a thorough understanding of the case facts. She advised students to meticulously break down the problem and identify the core legal issues that need addressing.
• Research Methodology: The lecture covered research techniques, both digital and traditional, that would allow students to find relevant case law, statutes, and scholarly articles. Prof. Bajpai stressed the importance of using credible sources, citing legal databases like SCC Online, Manupatra, Westlaw, and HeinOnline as indispensable tools for legal research.
• Framing Arguments from Research: Prof. Bajpai concluded her talk by demonstrating how research should be aligned with forming legal arguments. She encouraged students to critically analyze the material they gather, reminding them that not every piece of information found will be relevant or applicable.
• Session by Prof. Rajat Dixit: Mastering Legal Drafting
• Following Prof. Bajpai’s insights, Prof. Rajat Dixit took over the second segment, where he explored the art of drafting legal documents specifically for moot court competitions. His lecture was broken down into the following subtopics:
• • Structure of Memorials: Prof. Dixit provided an outline of the key sections of a moot court memorial, including the statement of jurisdiction, issues raised, statement of facts, arguments advanced, and the prayer for relief. He emphasized the importance of following the exact formatting rules specified by competition organizers.
• • Clarity and Precision in Writing: According to Prof. Dixit, drafting legal documents for moot courts requires a balance of clarity and legal accuracy. He explained that moot court judges appreciate concise yet powerful arguments. He advised students to avoid overly complex sentences and legal jargon that may confuse rather than persuade.
• • Developing Persuasive Legal Arguments: Prof. Dixit offered strategies for drafting persuasive written arguments. He recommended beginning each argument with a strong point supported by legal precedent and statutory provisions, followed by a logical flow that makes the argument easy to follow. He also discussed common mistakes to avoid, such as overly emotional appeals or failure to anticipate counterarguments.
• Interactive Q&A and Practical Guidance
• The final segment of the lecture was an interactive Q&A session where both professors engaged with the participants, answering their queries about the challenges they face during legal research and drafting. Some of the key concerns raised by students included difficulties in interpreting ambiguous laws, structuring memorials efficiently, and handling time constraints during competitions.
• Both Prof. Bajpai and Prof. Dixit provided tailored advice, offering practical solutions to the students’ dilemmas. They encouraged the participants to start practicing early and seek feedback from their mentors and peers.

Department Name – School of Law

Event Outcome 

The lecture on “Legal Research and Drafting for Moot Court Competition” provided law students with essential skills and practical insights to excel in moot court competitions. The session, conducted by Prof. Shreya Bajpai and Prof. Rajat Dixit, covered critical aspects of legal research and drafting, including the use of credible sources, research methodology, and the structuring of legal documents. Students found the lecture extremely helpful, particularly the advice on how to frame legal arguments and the strategies for persuasive writing.

The interactive Q&A session further facilitated the resolution of real-world challenges students face during competitions, such as managing time effectively and navigating through complex legal issues. The students left the session equipped with actionable techniques and motivated to apply these strategies in their upcoming moots.

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