Last Updated: September 16, 2024

A. Moot Court General Rules for Online Competition

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League Policies

    1. Competitors may choose to stand or sit at a desk or table while presenting.
    2. A minimum of the competitor’s head and shoulders must be visible whenever the competitor is on camera.
    3. Advocates should keep their cameras on at all times except when experiencing significant technical difficulties.
    4. Delivery should be formal, exhibiting the utmost professionalism and respect toward the justice(s) presiding in the round.
    5. Speakers must begin each oral argument and specific responses precisely following the Moot Court Script.
    6. Each speaker will represent only one of the two legal issues per round with the exception of the speaker giving the rebuttal who will respond to both issues.
    7. The content presented in the round is restricted to a “closed universe” that is limited to material contained or referenced within the Moot Court Case Packet and the United States Constitution.
    8. The PDF documents provided in the Table of Cases include redactions, and are the only versions that are allowed during oral arguments.
    9. Cases not listed in the Table of Cases may be cited and discussed only to the extent they are mentioned in said opinions.
    10. Cases, such as those cited in footnotes or parentheticals, may not be expanded upon (beyond references made therein) during oral argument.
    11. Moot Court is primarily a verbal activity. Exhibits or visual aids are not permitted.
    12. Judges may use discretion to extend any portions of the round for a maximum of fifteen minutes in the case of technical difficulties only. Tournament Administration should be notified of any extended delays and will make decisions regarding the round.
    13. Other individuals may be present during a round but may not be visible on screen.
    14. An observer may not attempt to influence the outcome of a round in any way.