The OUP and BPP National Mooting Competition 2007

Photographs from the final

The winning team from Oxford University with His Honour Judge Gratwicke:

James Chapman	Andrew Hilland

The UEA and Greenwich teams mid-moot:

The result

Oxford University emerged victorious at the final of The OUP and BPP National Mooting Competition held at BPP Law School, Holborn, on Thursday 5 July 2007.

The evening event marked the end of another very successful year for the competition, now in its tenth year. It also marked the beginning of OUP's partnership with leading provider of professional education BPP.

Four teams competed in the two moots of the final having secured their places through four preliminary knock-out rounds against more than 50 university teams from England, Scotland, and Wales. The competition enjoys a reputation for attracting a high quality of entrants and those who fought their way through to the finals were no exception. It was wonderful to see the amount of support given to the finalists from family, friends and lecturers who travelled to London to cheer them on.

The prizes

The victors James Chapman and Andrew Hilland of Oxford University presented a strong case for the respondents. They share the first prize of £1,500 as well as a fantastic opportunity to get involved with BPP's exciting pro bono programme to include a tour of BPP's Pro Bono Centre and a chance to participate in pro bono projects resulting in valuable hands on practical experience.

Birmingham University (Will Dobson and Robert Bridgman) were awarded second place, and they share a prize of £700. The other final runners up (winning £100 worth of OUP books each) were: University of East Anglia (Curtis McCluskey and Robert Jackman) and Greenwich University (Donna Dewberry and Olivia Hogman)

Judge's assessment

His Honour Judge Charles Gratwicke of Chelmsford Crown Court presided over the final. He praised all four teams for their thorough preparation, knowledge of the subject, calmness under pressure and the outstanding advocacy skills they demonstrated.

The moot

An original moot problem for each round was commissioned and the final problem, drafted by Elizabeth Prochaska, provided plenty for the competitors to get their teeth into with such issues as religious freedom and human rights.

2008-2009 competition - how to enter

Details of the 2008-2009 competition will be posted on the site in the next couple of months. In the meantime anyone wanting to register their interest in entering a team should email mooting.uk@oup.com.