Competitor Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- What is the format of the Spring rounds of the Sherman Minton Moot Court Competition?
- How do I obtain the Spring Competition Packet?
- May I talk with other competitors about the issues?
- May I talk with non-competitors about the issues?
- How do competitors advance to the spring rounds?
- How do I become a member of the Sherman Minton Moot Court Board?
- What if I have a question that is not answered here?
Brief Writing Questions
- Should I restate the “question presented” as it appears in the record when drafting my brief?
- The rules list the sections allowed for the Brief, and a "statement" is not included. The brief examples on the Solicitor General website all contain statements (recounting the relevant facts and the proceedings below); is that a section we should include?
Oral Argument Questions
- How are oral arguments scored?
- When do I find out what side I will argue?
- Does my partner’s oral argument affect my oral argument score?
- Do oral argument judges read my submitted brief?
- May I read my partner’s brief for the purpose of preparing a rebuttal and practicing our arguments?
- How much time can we reserve for rebuttal?
Answers
General Questions
What is the format of the Spring rounds of the Sherman Minton Moot Court Competition?
Based on fall brief and oral argument scores, thirty-two competitors (sixteen on each issue) will advance to the spring Octofinal rounds and participate in a single-elimination tournament that leads to the Quarterfinal, Semifinal, and Final rounds, in which two winners will be named (one on each issue).
How do I obtain the Spring Competition Packet?
The Competition Packet will be e-mailed to Octofinalists on Friday, December 21, 2007.
May I talk with other Octofinalists about the issues?
No. The Competition follows the Law School’s code for academic honesty.
May I talk with non-competitors about the issues?
No. The Competition follows the Law School’s code for academic honesty.
How do competitors advance to the spring rounds?
The top thirty-two competitors (sixteen from Issue 1 and sixteen from Issue 2) with the highest overall scores will advance to the spring rounds. The overall score given to each competitor is determined by a combination of the competitor’s brief score and the scores he or she receives in each round of the oral arguments.
How do I become a member of the Sherman Minton Moot Court Board?
Members of the 2008–09 Sherman Minton Moot Court Board will be selected from the participants of the 2007–08 Competition based on performance in the Competition and an application and interview process following the spring Finals. Board members receive course credit for their participation (and have lots of fun!).
To be eligible for the Board, you must participate in the Competition as a 2L!
What if I have a question that is not answered here?
If you have a question relating to the competition, and you are unable to find the answer either in this FAQ or on the Moot Court website, please e-mail your question to lawmoot@indiana.edu. The Board reserves the right to post your question (with a response) online; you will remain anonymous.
Brief Writing Questions
Should I restate the "question presented" as it appears in the record when drafting my brief?
You may, but are not required to, alter the question presented as it appears in the record. Use your discretion.
The rules list the sections allowed for the Brief, and a "statement" is not included. The brief examples on the Solicitor General website all contain statements (recounting the relevant facts and the proceedings below); is that a section we should include?
No Statement is needed for the brief. The only permitted sections, as outlined on page 4 of the Rules and Instructions, are as follows:
- Question(s) Presented
- Table of Contents
- Table of Authorities
- Summary of the Argument
- Argument
- Conclusion
Oral Argument Questions
How are oral arguments scored?
In general, judges will award points for the incisiveness of competitors’ arguments, knowledge and depth of understanding of the relevant caselaw, command of the record, anticipation of and rebuttal of opposing points, appropriate deference and responsiveness to the bench, and presentation, including demeanor, politeness, clarity, tone, and overall persuasiveness.
When do I find out what side I will argue?
For the Spring rounds, the sides argued will be determined by coin toss and posted 24 hours prior to the argument on the bulletin board outside the Moot Court Office (Room 011).
Does my partner’s oral argument affect my oral argument score?
No. Despite the oral argument format in which you argue as a team, you and your partner are judged separately and will be assessed separate scores by the panel of judges.
Do oral argument judges read my submitted brief?
No, the oral argument judges will not see your brief—they are graded separately by the Problem Supervisors.
May I read my partner’s brief for the purpose of preparing a rebuttal and practicing our arguments?
Yes, you may read your partner’s brief for these purposes.
How much time can we reserve for rebuttal?
Appellants may reserve a maximum of five minutes for rebuttal. The time reserved for rebuttal will be deducted from the individual argument time of the teammate arguing the rebuttal. Appellants must indicate to the Bailiff which teammate will conduct the rebuttal and how much time will be reserved.
Reserving rebuttal time does not mean that it must be used. Appellants are free to determine, after hearing Appellees’ arguments, that no rebuttal is needed.