Debate students prepare for moot court competition

By Jason Shotwell/reporter

The NW moot court debate team participated in moot court boot camp during its first meeting of the semester Sept. 12.

Students began preparing for the semester’s competition at Texas A&M School of Law, discussing issues they plan to argue and defend as part of the mock trial.

Moot court is a debate style that gives students an opportunity to practice arguing constitutional issues in a courtroom setting.

“Moot court gives students confidence and critical thinking skills as they learn to debate like a lawyer,” NW government professor and pre-law advisor Julie Lantrip said.

The debate is divided into two constitutional issues, and each person of a two-person team is given one of those issues to present before a panel of judges as if it were a Supreme Court case.

“Moot court is great for anyone who wants to go to law school or anyone who is interested in the constitution,” Lantrip said.

Moot court is similar to other formal debate with one exception.

“Speeches are pre-prepared by the students, and the judges can stop you and ask questions,” Lantrip said.

Moot court is a national competition, and students debate a new fictional case every year.

NW student Elise Lopez is interested in the growing club and thinking about competing in November.

“I joined moot court because I like arguing and discussing difficult issues,” she said. “Moot court centers students on a specific topic that creates an environment where we can discuss the topics at an elevated level.”

NW student Megan Taylor believes moot court helps prepare her for everyday life.

“Moot court prepares you for the future and teaches you to answer questions you may not yet know the answer to,” she said.

Moot court meets at 12:30 p.m. Mondays and 2 p.m. Tuesdays in WFSC.

The team also plans to attend Pre-Law Day Oct. 3 when students can talk to a panel of lawyers from a variety of legal fields, Lantrip said.