Uí Dhálaigh Moot Court

This is a competition for third level students, especially those studying law. The competition is an appeal against a court decision. Details of the case are above. The competition is being run by Gael Linn in honour of the former President and Chief Justice of Ireland, Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh.

10.00 – 12.00 Preliminary Rounds in the King’s Inns.

12.30 – 14.00 Lunch for competitors.

14.00 Preliminary Rounds in the King’s Inns.

15.30 Announcement of the Final.

17.00 – 18.00 Final, The Four Courts.

18.00 – 19.00 Reception in the Bar Association Tea Room, The Four Courts.

Minimum of one and maximum of four. No more than two people will speak on any one team, a Senior Counsel and a Junior Counsel. One person may participate in the Mock Court as Senior Counsel.

It is not necessary for all members of the team to be students of the same 3rd level College. King’s Inns and the Law Society are included as 3rd level Colleges. Travel and accommodation allowances will be paid, where appropriate, to those who participate.

The winners will be awarded a permanent Gael Linn trophy and a cheque for €600. The team that comes in second place will be awarded a cheque for €300.

Each team will be required to prepare and plead both sides of the case. Teams will be told the day before the preliminary rounds which side of the case they will be pleading in the first round.

Instructions for Submissions:

It is recommended that teams compile authority books and that each judge (there will be three judges in the final) have a copy.

Authority Books:

A copy of each case, piece of legislation, or extract from a law book, referenced in the submissions should be placed in an authority book (a folder of all paperwork). If any case or piece of legislation is over 10 pages, it is recommended that only the first few pages, which give the facts of the case from the judgment, or the index to the legislation, be provided. It is recommended that no more than 6 cases be opened and that Irish cases be used as far as possible.

Leanfaidh na haighneachtaí béil mar a leanas:

1. Abhcóide* don achomharcóir : 20 nóiméad

2. Abhcóide* don fhreagróir : 20 nóiméad (*Tig le gach foireann na haighneachtaí a roinnt mar a leanas‚ más mian leis an bhfoireann é)

A. Abhcóide Sinsir : 10 nóiméad    B. Abhcóide Sóisir : 10 nóiméad

3. Frisnéis : Abhcóide amháin don achomharcóir : 3 nóiméad

4. Cur i gcoinne na frisnéise – Abhcóide amháin don fhreagróir : 3 nóiméad

Ní cheadófar ábhar nua a thabhairt isteach le linn na frisnéise/cur i gcoinne na frisnéise. Gearrfar pionós ar abhcóidí a sháraíonn na teorainneacha ama. Tá sé tábhachtach d’iomaitheoirí an iomarca léitheoireachta a sheachaint.

Ní cheadófar d’aon fhoireann atá fós sa chomórtas suí isteach ar Chúirt ina bhfuil foirne eile sa chomórtas ag iomaíocht.

The language of the competition is Irish. However, members of staff will be allowed to read extracts in English from cases they are using to support their arguments, but not to overdo it. Legal terms in Irish are available on the website www.acmhainn.ie/

Gael Linn is grateful to the Bars who help us run this competition.

As a general guide it is worth looking at the website www.mooting.net but keep in mind that the rules used at Bréagchúirt Uí Dhálaigh are not exactly the same.

Each student will be awarded marks out of 100 according to the following Marking Scheme:

A Content (30 Marks)

Address the issues before the court
Discuss only the matter that may affect the court’s decision
Demonstrate awareness of the decisions that the court may make
Make appropriate use of relevant documents
Conversate appropriately with court officials
Accuracy of facts and law

B Structure (20 MARKS)

Demonstrate awareness of the stage of the proceedings
Cover the material effectively within the time limits
Take each point in a logical order
Give each point due importance and prominence

C Use of Voice (30 MARKS)

Speak at a sensible pace
Avoid ambiguity
Speak clearly and loudly
Use appropriate terms use
Take care of appearance and body language
Avoid excessive reference to notes and especially verbatim reading of notes

D Argumentative Ability (20 MARKS)

Use the law and facts to achieve the desired goal
Promote worthwhile arguments and avoid worthless arguments
Discuss any weaknesses in the case as appropriate
Respond appropriately to any interventions made by the judge