Jessamae V.

Docdoc September 12, 2019

Reflection Paper

In our two days training with the UP Mentors, another opportunity for
me was opened. I have realized that my entry in Law School is more than that
of being a lawyer because along the process, there will be lots of things that I
should discover, things that will equip me in the future and one of those is
being able to do mooting.

I learned that a moot court competition simulates a court hearing, in

which participants analyze a problem, research the relevant law, prepare
written submissions, and present oral argument. Moot problems are typically
set in areas of law that are unsettled or that have been subject to recent
developments. They usually involve two grounds of appeal, argued by each
side.

Listening to different brilliant speakers gave me the concrete concept

that the procedure for moot court simply imitates that followed in real courts:
the judge enters, the mooters and the judge bow to each other, the clerk
announces the matter, the mooters give their appearances and are then called
on in turn to present their submissions, the judge asks questions of the
mooters, the court adjourns, and the judge then returns to deliver a brief
judgment and some feedback.

This have caught my attention, I was excited to know more since my

heart was really into debating since high school to college although there are
lot of differences in terms of mechanics and presentation. The speakers made
it clear that Mooting is not the same as public speaking or debating, although it
shares some common elements with these activities. It is a specialized
application of the art of persuasive advocacy. But, they have said that being
indulged into public speaking is a stepping stone for aspiring mooters, this can
be of advantage and can serve as motivation for who are willing to be trained.
 At the end of the day, it was fruitful. I had this realization that there are
many reasons to moot. Mooting enables students to engage with and think
deeply about interesting and topical legal issues, to enhance their advocacy,
legal research and writing skills, to work closely with and learn from their peers
and to demonstrate their interest in advocacy and competence as an advocate
to prospective employers. Most students find mooting to be intellectually
rewarding and highly enjoyable. It can be nerve-racking and frustrating but it is
a lot of fun.