‘Trials’, ‘eliminations’, ‘memorials’, ‘counsel’,
“LORDSHIPS” – these are the most commonly heard words in any law school and till now even the fresher’s
must have become familiar with this terminology. After all, the number of moots
that you do is like your tag of success as a student of law. Being a member of
the Hon’ble Moot Court Society is a privilege.
But wait. Take a break. Just imagine the scenario that
would prevail after few years- when each one of you would have settled down
somewhere in your life and would have become a successful lawyer, a
judicial officer, a legal advisor in some renowned firm, a civil servant or may
be a great professor. Would then anyone bother about that “number” for which
you are furious right now. I guess the answer is pretty obvious.
But then again, moots indeed form a major part of the
life of a law student. For some, it is a long driven passion who try to make records by doing a large number of moots. While others see it as something “additional”, experienced only when it becomes compulsory
in the final year and they try to get hold of the theory instead of doing it practically. And trust me, it
does not make much of a difference. The discretion is wholly yours, depending on your career choice. For a more realistic view, here are
the personal opinions of some law students.
Student's Perspectives-
- Mooting is not just an expense, neither in terms of money nor time. It enhances your knowledge to a great extent, which is totally incomparable to any other thing.”
-Nazuk Singhal, Graduated from UILS this year
- “Moots are worth the time. They evolve your knowledge skills and are the closest encounter a student can get of a courtroom.”
-Mamta, Final year student at Deptt. of Law, Panjab University
- “I think moots are quite helpful. You get an opportunity to research about a particular topic in depth along with the practical application of the law. So even if you want to go for judiciary or civil services it’s better to do the moots, it gives you more clarity.”
-Akhil Kamra, B.Com. LL.B., 7th Semester, UILS
(Winner of numerous moots plus ex-co-convener of the Moot Court Society)
(Winner of numerous moots plus ex-co-convener of the Moot Court Society)
- “I believe this question is framed either by a student who is from non-law background or the one who has not done any moot during his LL.B. course. Moots are something which acquaint you with the actual law which exist outside the theory world. You are getting a chance to do exactly the same things which you will do after your degree that also without any implications. From research to framing issues to forming arguments and arguing case is all what an enthusiastic law student can aspire to do. Moots are worth each and every second of the time and effort you put in.”
-Anirudh Nanda, B.Com. LL.B., 5th Semester, UILS
(Co-Convenor of the Moot Court Society, winner of the intra moot competition 2016 held at UILS and trial advocacy held at KIIT Bhubaneshwar)
- “Moots are worth the time. It is an investment to be precise. You learn to argue and be confident. You learn about the subjects before you actually start studying them. Activities in law schools make us different from the normal colleges. That’s the beauty of it. And pertaining to this moots serve a purpose of inculcating in the mind of a student, the various practical aspects that they need to work on."
-Nikhilesh Verma, B.Com. LL.B., 5th Semester, UILS
(DR Candidate :P plus winner of Intra Moot Court Competition 2016 and also Trial Advocacy Competition held at KIIT, Bhubaneshwar)
- "It's amazing how we take up a moot; give almost a month of our lifetime analysing it. It enhances our skill to put an argument in a structured manner and tells you how amazing people are and why you should thrive for more. I remember on one of the moots I met this amazing Chennai dude who knew almost every provision in almost every bare act present till date.
P.S.- The department sponsors it, what else is required?"
- Aman Walia, B.Com. LL.B., 5th Semester, UILS
- “Speaking from my personal experience, our Constitution exam was not according to the last 10 year question papers. Just because I had done a moot in the previous semester, I was able to frame an entire 15 marks answer on minor articles, along with the case laws."
- “Definitely worth the time. Mooting is a pre-hand experience for my future profession. You get to learn how to work in a team and co-ordinate for research. Lectures on mooting and memorials were of no use until I participated and got to know how it actually works. It made me more confident."
-Tamanna,
B.A. LL.B., 3rd Semester, UILS
- “Moots are worth the time. As Swami Vivekananda has beautifully stated,‘Experience is the only source of knowledge.’ Putting this in perspective with our field, mooting is the only avenue for gaining the requisite practical experience and hence knowledge in this field.”
-Aseem
Mahajan, B.Com, LL.B., 3rd Semester, UILS
- “I cannot give any personal experience as I have not participated yet. But yes this is indeed a very subjective topic. It is beneficial for those who see their career in litigation and arguing before the judges definitely make you more patient and teaches you to behave in a sophisticated manner.”
-Hemlata
Malik, B.A. LL.B., 3rd Semester, UILS
So
the whole point is listen to your inner voice. Do not go
for moots just for the sake of it or because everybody
is doing it. Do it if you are actually interested and hungry for law, and bitten by the law bug. If you
think you can invest this much of time and energy without bothering about the
results, just keep yourself updated and try on every moot problem published on lawctopus. And yes, for the first year students-do participate in
the intra moot. It is one of a kind experience.
P.
S. There are other things to do as well; research papers, fests, internships
and a lot more. Stay tuned to Legal Daftar for the
further aspects.
ABOUT THE WRITER:
Bhumija Bhaskar is a 2nd year student pursuing B.A.LL.B.(Hons.) from University Institute of Legal Studies, Panjab University. She is a proficient writer and has been featured in a Youtube video on the channel 'Rhythms of Rhyme'. She is a keynote speaker in All India Mushaira held annually in Ferozepur, her hometown.