General information session: UCB’s 3 rd Undergrad Moot Court Competition

1. General information session: UCB’s 3rd Undergrad Moot Court Competition Sigma alpha nu, co-ed pre-law fraternity

2. agenda • Competitor’s Agreement and Moot Court Overview • Video Component • Structure of our Competition • What is expected of competitors? • Oral Argument (Do’s & Don’t’s, Scoring) • Preparation • Q & A

3. Competitors Agreement • Please take a moment to read over and sign our competitor’s agreement • Let us know if you have any questions!

4. Explanation of Moot Court • What is the difference Between Moot Court and Mock Trial? • Basic Structure and Sequence of Moot Court • Simulates an appellate court • A competitive extracurricular activity for law students honing their advocacy skills • Written briefs (this competition will require extremely short oral argument outlines) • Presentation of oral arguments • Adherence to courtroom etiquette

5. Berkeley law: mcbain Moot Court • Example of Opening • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuSLztzCAQ8#t=8m23s(8:23 – 13:10) • Some Mooting: • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuSLztzCAQ8#t=35m8s (35:08 – 38:31) • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuSLztzCAQ8#t=53m45s (53:45 – 56:04) • Example of a Closing Argument and a Rebuttal • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuSLztzCAQ8#t=1h3m37s(1:03:37 – 1:09:21)

6. Important Dates • Preliminary Round: Monday, April 14th 7pm (Barrows 104) Closed to Audiences • Final Round: Thursday, April 17th 7pm (Dwinelle 258) Invite your friends! • Refreshments will be provided at both events

7. Structure: Oral Argument outlines • Stay within the arguments and limited universes of the majority and dissenting opinions, along with the briefs filed by the respondent and the petitioner’s briefs • Citing cases outside these parameters will cause you to be penalized by the judges • You will be required to electronically submit two outlines (for both sides of the argument) April 9th at 11:59pm to calsigmaalphanu@gmail.com

8. Outlines • A full description of your argument. Aim for simple arguments - they are superior to convoluted ones! • A breakdown of your argument into its constituent parts. • Evidence corresponding to your arguments, backed by precedent and specific cases (within the Tenth Circuit decision and briefs). • Conclusion

9. Finalists • Will be assigned to a side after moving on from the preliminary round • Will be required to submit ONE revised oral argument outline for the side that they are assigned. • Include a cover sheet (not counted in page count). Not to exceed 3 pages: 12 pt. font, single-spaced, 1-in. margins • ○ Due: Wednesday, 4/16/2014 by 5pm to calsigmaalphanu@gmail.com.

10. Preliminary round • Each competitor will be assigned at random to a specific side of the debate • You will argue your case in front of a panel of three judges against a randomly assigned opponent • Competitors will have 8 minutes to present their arguments and answer judge's questions. Bailiffs will flash time cards. • Competitors will receive 1-3 minutes of feedback from judges. • The two top scorers (as agreed upon by the judges) will advance to the final round.

11. Final Round • 2 finalists will argue either Petitioner or Respondent side. • Finalists will have 12 minutes each to make their arguments and respond to judges' questions. Bailiff's will flash time cards. • Finalists will receive 1-4 minutes of feedback from judges. • Judges will have individual scoring sheets but will take a recess to determine the winner. • Winner will be announced

12. Prizes • 1st Place: Kaplan LSAT Preparatory Course • 2nd Place: $50 Amazon Gift Card

13. Clarifications • Scoring will not be based on the merits of the case. • You will be judged on both your critical thinking and public speaking ability: • Preparation - Is it clear that you have thought through the issues of this case? • Have you thought about and addressed the weaknesses in your argument? • Ability to answer questions thoughtfully, confidently, and with evidence. • Adherence to courtroom etiquette. • Judges are fully aware that you are undergraduates with no legal training, and will tailor their questions accordingly.

14. Scoring rubric

15. Requirements • Attendanceof and participation in mandatory events: Preliminary round, Final round (if you advance) • You will need to prepare the oral argument outlines (2 for preliminary rounds; 1 more IF you are selected to be a finalist) and submit them on time. • A professional, positive attitude throughout the competition. • Timely correspondence with SAN members and judges following this meeting (answer emails w/in 48 hours).

16. Stylistic considerations • Think of Moot Court as a conversation between you and the Judges, rather than a scripted presentation. • Adopt a natural, conversational tone. Avoid "acting like a lawyer" or putting on a newscaster's voice. • "Be calm, confident, and completely know your stuff.“ • It is OK to stop and pause to think about the answer to a question. Although it may reveal weaknesses in your argument, you should explain why these weaknesses are not as problematic as the weaknesses in your adversary's argument.

17. Questions? After this meeting we will be sending you: • This presentation • A guide on dressing professionally • The scoring rubric that judges will be using • Helpful Materials (including links to briefs, 10th circuit decisions • Application and Outline directions • Demonstration Script • Competition Rules