As this is a skills-based module, the substantive content is based on core subjects already studied. Students are, however, required to develop and learn new skills in order successfully to build an argument and present a case in an appellate court setting in accordance with the rules and conventions which apply in that forum.

Moot problems
Moot court etiquette
Skeleton arguments
Bundle
Professional practice
Submissions
Judicial interventions

1. You are required to compile a court bundle which includes the skeleton argument that you have drafted. The bundle should include documents on which you will rely when making legal submissions in the second element of assessment. The selection of the documents for the bundle will be informed by the research conducted and the legal argument(s) that you intend to advance in the oral moot. The bundle must be appropriately structured and compliant with the relevant court rules. The word limit of 1600 applies to the skeleton argument only.

2. Working with their partner, you will engage in a simulated advocacy in a courtroom setting. This will involve making submissions in an appellate court setting, acting for either the appellant or the respondent. Throughout the moot, you will address questions from the assessor, in their role of judge.

Whole group sessions will take the form of workshops where students will have the opportunity to learn from topic overviews and activities which will be used to enhance research, presentation and a wide range of transferable skills. Students will be able to practice these skills through practice moots. Preparation for workshops will be supported by pre-reading, research activities as well as discussions supervised by the module tutor.

Independent study includes research and preparation for the work to be undertaken in the workshops and consolidation of understanding afterwards. Directed study opportunities, are provided to enable students to revise, prepare and practice at important stages in the module. Directed and independent study aims to develop a deeper understanding of issues in relation to critical thinking, legal argument and legal research. Module information including workshop notes, practice activities, feedback, links to external resources, assessment details and additional resources to support study will be on the VLE.

1. Analyse complex legal scenarios, identifying and researching the relevant legal issues arising and applying appropriate legal principles supported by authoritative sources.

Knowledge and understanding
Research skills

2. Construct a concise and coherent legal argument, integrating information from a wide range of relevant (mainly primary) sources of law.

Application and problem solving

3. Communicate written legal arguments effectively using digital tools to produce a compliant court bundle.

Communication
Digital literacy

4. Communicate and deliver a persuasive oral argument whilst conforming to expected standards of courtroom etiquette and professional standards.

Communication
Critical reasoning and collaboration

Legal databases with access to statute, case law and journal articles.

Eric Baskind, Mooting: The Definitive Guide to a Key Legal Skill (2nd edn, Routledge 2024)

Jeffrey Hill, The Practical Guide to Mooting (2nd edn, Hart 2021)

Sarah Cooper and Scarlett McArdle, Preparing to Moot: A Step-by-Step Guide to Mooting (2nd edn, Routledge 2025)

John Snape and Gary Watt, How to Moot: A Student Guide to Mooting (2nd edn, OUP 2010)*

David Pope and Dan Hill, Mooting and Advocacy Skills (3rd edn, Sweet & Maxwell 2015)*

*Despite the age of publication of these texts, as a skills-based module, they remain valuable practical guides to core advocacy and mooting techniques.

Mooting is an opportunity to use and develop all the knowledge and skills already gained through your study of law in a real courtroom setting. This is your chance to test your ability to stand up in a higher court, put your legal arguments to a judge and pit your wits against an opposing counsel. Mooting helps you to develop valuable skills, such as teamwork, research, organisation, the development of arguments and the articulation of those arguments. You will argue a point of law which was significant in the decision made at first instance to try and persuade the higher court to overturn that decision.