What is Moot Court?
Moot Court is both an academic course (PLSC 203) and an intercollegiate activity that consists of mock Supreme Court oral arguments. The teams consist of two students arguing over real Constitutional issues. This year’s case dealt with the Fourth Amendment implications of a search conducted by a drone, and whether a prison sentence violates the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. Each team member prepares to present one of the two issues posed in the case.
Loyola Moot Court
Loyola’s moot court program is among the highest ranked programs in the country, ahead of programs from schools like Yale and the University of Virginia. Our moot court teams travel the country in the fall taking part in tournaments designed to get us ready for regional and national competition in the late fall and winter.
Why Join?
Moot court is more than just a competition. It is an educational experience that teaches participants the techniques and procedures associated with appellate advocacy. Students will argue issues to a panel of judges, similar to how actual cases are argued at the United States Supreme Court. That makes the experience ideal for those looking to go on to law school.
But moot court also offers opportunities for those interested in other pursuits, both academically and career-wise. Moot Court requires students to read and make effective use of actual Supreme Court opinions in order to build arguments on both sides of the case. As a result, you will have the opportunity to improve your logical reasoning, critical thinking, and public speaking abilities, skills that will serve you in all aspects of your life. On top of that, moot court will improve your teamwork and time management abilities, skills that will make you attractive to graduate schools and employers alike.
Former Loyola moot court student competitors have gone on to law school at places like Columbia, Duke, Northwestern, Notre Dame, and Iowa.
But moot court also offers opportunities for those interested in other pursuits, both academically and career-wise. Moot Court requires students to read and make effective use of actual Supreme Court opinions in order to build arguments on both sides of the case. As a result, you will have the opportunity to improve your logical reasoning, critical thinking, and public speaking abilities, skills that will serve you in all aspects of your life. On top of that, moot court will improve your teamwork and time management abilities, skills that will make you attractive to graduate schools and employers alike.
Former Loyola moot court student competitors have gone on to law school at places like Columbia, Duke, Northwestern, Notre Dame, and Iowa.
Want to know more?
If you're Intersted in learning more contact Head Coach Mike Walsh at Mwalsh2@loyola.edu