Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Moot court is a game that law students play to practice arguing about made-up legal cases. They read a story about a case and write a paper explaining what they think the law should be. Then they pretend to be lawyers and argue in front of judges who ask them questions. The judges decide who did the best job arguing. Moot court helps students get better at reading, writing, speaking, and thinking like a lawyer.
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.
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.