Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2008 - 2009
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| Module Aims | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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This module aims to give students an understanding of the law in action in the courts, by providing them with the opportunity to represent the parties to a hypothetical case, to prepare written arguments and to deliver those arguments by way of oral presentation to a Moot Court.
By requiring active research, preparation of written memorials and presentation of oral submissions, the Moot Court programme develops students’ ability to construct cogent legal arguments and improves advocacy skills. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning Outcomes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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At the end of this module students will - understand how legal arguments are constructed based on legal materials (statute law, case law, the Constitution); - understand how memorials of written arguments are drafted; - understand how oral submissions are properly made to the court. - have a deeper insight into some of their substantive law subjects as the hypothetical case examined will reflect issues addressed in other law courses; - appreciate the reality of the law in action; - have a greater understanding of the importance of diligent legal research; - and, be confident in presenting and defending legal arguments by way of oral presentation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indicative Syllabus | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Introduction - What is a Moot Court? Why participate in a Moot Court? Benefits of Mooting; outline of research materials (statute law, case law, Constitution, ECHR, EU law)
Mini-Moot – Students will take part in a practice moot on an area of law distinct from the main moot topic, but related to other substantive law subjects which they are studying; no written memorials required; group research and oral presentation and defence of legal arguments
Main Moot - Introduction to the issues raised in the Main Moot – these issues will be drawn from other substantive law subjects being studied by the students; group research, preparation of memorial and oral presentation; information on creating a memorial; correct written citation; structuring a memorial; information on presenting oral submissions to the court; correct form of address; useful phrases; practice sessions will be held.
Main Moot Presentations - Students present oral submissions to the court.
Assessment[1]
Memorial (group mark) 20% Moot Court presentation (individual mark) 80% TOTAL 100% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Indicative Reading List | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Core - Primary legal materials which will vary from year to year, dependant on the issues raised in the Moot Court problem
- Lecture notes and links to relevant journal articles, case-law and websites will be available on the DCU Moodle page for this module.
Supplementary - Dependant on issues raised in Moot Court problem - O’Malley, Sources of Law, Dublin: The Round Hall Press, 1993 - Snape, How to Moot: A Student Guide to Mooting, Oxford University Press, 2004
- Some useful electronic resources are: Justis, WestLaw IE, FirstLaw, LexisNexis, www.bailii.org, www.irishstatutebook.ie, www.lawreform.ie, www.courts.ie, www.echr.coe.int | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Programme or List of Programmes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EPL | BA in Economics, Politics and Law | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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