Legal Definitions - Moot Court

Moot court is a student activity found in almost every American law school. It simulates the proceedings of appellate courts, tribunals, or international dispute resolution bodies. Unlike mock trial, moot court does not simulate a jury or bench trial. Instead, participants apply the law to the facts of a fictional case, arguing for either the respondent who won in the lower court or for the challenging petitioner.

• During moot court, participants receive an appellate record of the fictional case and write an appellate brief. They may select the side of the case they wish to represent or be assigned a side. After the brief is submitted, participants prepare for their oral argument.
• Each round of a moot court competition is presided over by a panel of judges, who may be other law students, law professors, practicing attorneys, or even actual, sitting judges. The judges ask questions during oral arguments, forcing participants to quickly change their train of thought and think analytically on their feet.
• Law students participate in moot court oral argument exercises as a mandatory part of their first-year legal writing course. They may also participate in optional intramural moot court competitions or compete in inter-school competitions as part of their school's moot court board.

These examples illustrate how moot court works and how it helps law students develop analytical, research, teamwork, writing, time management, and oral skills. Moot court is highly valued in the legal job market for its ability to strengthen these skills.