[[NLIU Bhopal]], in association with Surana & Surana International Attorneys is hosting a unique conference for moot organisers in India, which will attempt to debate, rationalise and standardise the various moot formats being followed in the country and come out with a single, unified moot format for the benefit of the mooting community.

The conference is scheduled to kick off at NLIU Bhopal on 24 March 2012.

The proposed event is the brainchild of Bishen Jeswant, student convenor of NLIU Bhopal’s moot court committee.

Jeswant told Legally India that he rued the non-existence of a standard mooting format in India today.

“Through this event we intend to formulate, after intense discussions, a near perfect model that ensures that the best teams win. Once all the moot organisers arrive at a consensus on the standard model, they can sign a resolution and share the standard moot format with other moot organisers.” Jeswant stated that he was targeting around 20 law school moot organisers for participation at the conference.

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Formatting

The conference note explains that most Indian moots follow either the ‘two wins’ or the ‘cumulative score’ format for deciding the eight quarter-finalists in a competition.

Under the ‘two wins’ format, the teams which win both their preliminary rounds break into the quarters. If less than eight teams manage to win both the prelim rounds, the teams with a single win, in order of their prelim scores, break in to the quarters.

Jeswant explained that even though this format seems straightforward and simple, it does not ensure that the top eight teams break into the quarters. “If the best team in the competition faces the second best team in the competition in one of the preliminary rounds, the second best team is likely to be eliminated at this stage itself.”

On the other hand, under the ‘cumulative score’ format, which is followed in few Indian moots, the top eight teams are decided based on the speaker / memo scores in the prelim rounds. “The fact that Indian moot judges have a different scale or range of marking makes this format difficult to survive”, elaborated Jeswant.

Greater good

Apart from reconciling and arriving a standard moot format, the three-day conference will also discuss the viability of arriving at standard marking parameters for judges with a focus on limiting subjectivity in moot judging.

“We also intend to discuss other issues like having a fixed annual mooting calendar based on the academic schedules of various law schools to ensure maximum participation in each moot,” said Jeswant.

Other items on the agenda include organising regular annual pre-moots to improve India’s performance at prominent international moots, organising annual moot camps at each law school by rotation to increase interaction between ex-mooters and current students.

Jeswant stated that while inter law school mud slinging is not uncommon, law schools working together for a common good definitely is. “Moot convenors / organisers have a duty, not only to their own institutions but for mooting in general and this is a fine opportunity for students to come together and improve the already thriving Indian mooting scene.”

The conference is sponsored by Surana & Surana International Attorneys which organises around 10 moots in India every year, including the India qualifying rounds of prestigious international moots like Jessup and Stetson.

Legally India is media partner of the event.

Convenor additions:

Invitation and notes

• The Convenor and Co-Convenor (or the 2 seniormost members, by whatever designation known) of each University’s Moot Court Association (or Moot Committee by whatever name known) are invited. If the Convener/Co-Convener are unable to attend the Conference, another representative(s) may be nominated to represent the University.
• Accommodation will be provided to 2 members from each University (23^rd evening to 26^th morning)
• All meals will be provided to all the members at the Conference
• Pick up and Drop facility to and from the station/airport will be provided.
• Each University is encourage to make a presentation (using a ppt if you so wish) elaborating their ideas and views. Kindly note that the presentation is purely optional.
• An All Star Moot Round involving experienced champion mooters from the past is also planned.
• Certificates and mementos acknowledging their role in this event will be awarded to all participants of the Conference.

Registration

The process of registration is very simple. The Convener/Co Convener (or their nominated representatives) have to simply send an email to conveying their intention to participate in the Conference. Subsequently, the travel plans should be sent it as soon as possible. We recommend you book your tickets well in advance to avoid last minute hassles.

Comments and further ideas are invited below.

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For more information please refer to the [[MPL 3 rulebook]].