Course Section | Columbia Law School

Section Description Provided by Instructor

Minor writing credit available for upperclass students upon submission of completed brief to the Faculty Director of the Moot Court Program for review

This is a three-round elimination competition in appellate advocacy. The first round occurs in the autumn term. In this round, each student briefs one issue of a two-issue case and engages in oral arguments before benches composed of lawyers and judges.

Some number of competitors advance to the spring semi-final round on the basis of brief and oral scores received from the fall benches. The top-scoring four students from the spring semi-final round argue in the final round before a bench of distinguished judges and a large audience. Finalists may be assigned by the director to either side of either issue. Finalists are given an opportunity to revise their briefs. A prize is awarded for the best oral argument in the Final Round as determined by the judges.