What is a moot?

A moot is a fictitious legal case usually set in an appeal court.

One team of advocates acts for the appellants and one for the respondents.

Each team usually has two advocates, a Junior Counsel and a Senior Counsel.

Each team presents arguments to the court either supporting or opposing the appeal. These are usually termed arguments for the appellant and the respondent.

The moot problem will usually be based around two grounds of appeal. One ground of appeal will be allocated to the Junior and one to the Senior as they decide, though the more difficult ground will generally be allocated to the Senior.

Each Junior usually has 10 minutes to present submissions. Each Senior usually has 15 minutes. This includes the time fielding interventions from the moot Judge.

The main aim is to be logical and persuasive, since the Judge determines which team of advocates have succeeded based upon the quality of their arguments, their skills in advocacy, and their teamwork.