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Special Lecture on ‘Legal Research and Drafting for Moot Court Competition’ (25-10-2024)

Event Date: 25.10.2024

Program Theme

The theme of the special lecture was to impart practical skills in legal research and drafting, focusing specifically on preparing for moot court competitions. This event, organized by the Moot Court Society, was designed to provide law students with the tools needed to excel in moot courts by learning how to effectively research and draft legal documents that meet the highest standards of competition. The lecture aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and the practical demands of moot court settings.

Description

Introduction and Welcome

The lecture began with a warm welcome from the Moot Court Society’s coordinators, who highlighted the importance of moot court competitions in honing legal skills. The participants, mostly law students gearing up for national-level moots, were briefed about the objectives of the session, emphasizing the relevance of legal research and drafting in their academic and professional journeys.

Session by Prof. Shreya Bajpai: Fundamentals of Legal Research

Prof. Shreya Bajpai opened the first segment of the session with an in-depth discussion on the fundamentals of legal research, focusing on how to conduct effective research for moot court competitions. She addressed the following key areas:

  • Understanding the Case Facts: Prof. Bajpai emphasized that before delving into research, students must have a thorough understanding of the case facts. She advised students to meticulously break down the problem and identify the core legal issues that need addressing.
  • Research Methodology: The lecture covered research techniques, both digital and traditional, that would allow students to find relevant case law, statutes, and scholarly articles. Prof. Bajpai stressed the importance of using credible sources, citing legal databases like SCC Online, Manupatra, Westlaw, and HeinOnline as indispensable tools for legal research.
  • Framing Arguments from Research: Prof. Bajpai concluded her talk by demonstrating how research should be aligned with forming legal arguments. She encouraged students to critically analyze the material they gather, reminding them that not every piece of information found will be relevant or applicable.

Session by Prof. Rajat Dixit: Mastering Legal Drafting

Following Prof. Bajpai’s insights, Prof. Rajat Dixit took over the second segment, where he explored the art of drafting legal documents specifically for moot court competitions. His lecture was broken down into the following subtopics:

  • Structure of Memorials: Prof. Dixit provided an outline of the key sections of a moot court memorial, including the statement of jurisdiction, issues raised, statement of facts, arguments advanced, and the prayer for relief. He emphasized the importance of following the exact formatting rules specified by competition organizers.
  • Clarity and Precision in Writing: According to Prof. Dixit, drafting legal documents for moot courts requires a balance of clarity and legal accuracy. He explained that moot court judges appreciate concise yet powerful arguments. He advised students to avoid overly complex sentences and legal jargon that may confuse rather than persuade.
  • Developing Persuasive Legal Arguments: Prof. Dixit offered strategies for drafting persuasive written arguments. He recommended beginning each argument with a strong point supported by legal precedent and statutory provisions, followed by a logical flow that makes the argument easy to follow. He also discussed common mistakes to avoid, such as overly emotional appeals or failure to anticipate counterarguments.

Interactive Q&A and Practical Guidance

The final segment of the lecture was an interactive Q&A session where both professors engaged with the participants, answering their queries about the challenges they face during legal research and drafting. Some of the key concerns raised by students included difficulties in interpreting ambiguous laws, structuring memorials efficiently, and handling time constraints during competitions.

Both Prof. Bajpai and Prof. Dixit provided tailored advice, offering practical solutions to the students’ dilemmas. They encouraged the participants to start practicing early and seek feedback from their mentors and peers.

Concluding Remarks

The session concluded with a vote of thanks by the Moot Court Society. The coordinators reiterated the importance of research and drafting skills, encouraging students to implement the techniques discussed in their preparations for upcoming competitions. The students expressed their appreciation for the speakers, noting that the lecture was highly informative and practical.

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