Judge Gratwicke crowns Sheffield Hallam University mooting champions in exciting North versus South final
Finalists of the 2008-2009 OUP & BPP National Mooting Competition with His Honour Judge Gratwicke of Chelmsford Crown Court
Sheffield Hallam University has won the Oxford University Press (OUP) and BPP National Mooting Competition 2008/2009. The two winning mooters, Charlotte Dowson and Christopher Wilkinson, received a certificate, trophy, £750 and a chance to gain experience with BPP’s award winning Pro Bono Centre.
The competition, held on the evening of Thursday 2nd July at BPP Law School, Holborn, saw the University of Nottingham pitted against the University of Hertfordshire and City University against Sheffield Hallam University.
His Honour Judge Gratwicke, of Chelmsford Crown Court, oversaw proceedings and chose the overall winner from the two moots. In his summing up, he said:
"Every year I’m impressed by the standard of mooting in this competition, and this year is no exception. If I could have advocates of the quality I’ve seen here tonight appearing in front of me every day, I’d be a happy judge. It is clear that all the students have worked very hard on their research and presentation and also on anticipating the arguments their opponents will come up with, which is a real skill."
Charlotte Dowson, from the winning team said:
"This competition has been a challenging yet fulfilling journey, further fuelling my passion for advocacy. Thank you to Sheffield Hallam University for the opportunity and support. It was an excellent final against outstanding competition."
Lesley Lomax, lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, who came along to support her team said:
"This was our third time in the final and a great achievement to win such a prestigious, long-running competition. The standard of the advocacy of the finalists was very high, and all should be congratulated on reaching the last four of sixty-four law schools"
Jonathan Clore, BPP lecturer and event organiser added:
"The standard of mooting and enthusiasm from spectators seen tonight has been exceptional. To win out of over 60 teams from different universities is something that Charlotte and Christopher should be really proud of and I am confident that they both have promising careers in law ahead of them."
Clare Weaver, OUP said:
"It's really gratifying to be involved in a competition that culminates in such a display of talent. The success of the OUP & BPP National Mooting Competition is testament to the motivation of all the students who have taken part."
The fictitious mooting problem, written by Dr Kirsty Horsey, from Kent Law School, was "In the Court of Appeal Supaprint plc v Witherton Ltd". It focussed on the issue of a pub chain, Witherton Ltd, placing an order for printing posters with Supaprint plc which they subsequently cancelled, following an EU Directive on guidelines for the advertising of alcohol. Mooters were judged on four criteria; content of legal argument, presentation of legal argument, flexibility in handling interventions and overall impression.
Mooting UK
3 July 2009
