Creighton University Law School is holding the annual Moot Court Competition this fall. The Moot Court Competition is similar to mock trial in the fact that students who participate gather and present information to a pseudo judge.

All second-year students are required to participate. The students prepare an appellate brief and demonstrate their oral arguments to judges on the day of competition.

Danielle Pressler, a third-year Law student, helped organize this year’s competition. She said it is a unique opportunity Creighton law students have at refining the skill they will need down the road.

“It is a great opportunity to develop litigation skills, as well as clear and concise persuasive arguments,” Pressler said. “They also learn how to engage in dialogue to judges and to address important issues in court.”

This year’s competition involves a case regarding the Fourth and 14th Amendments to the Constitution. The case deals with the need of the state’s protection for children from abuse in lieu of a parent’s right to due process in a situation where the household is under scrutiny of neglect. The children’s right to freedom from unwarranted searches is also an issue at hand.

Students in the law school see this as a great opportunity. Alyson Carstens, a third-year Law student and president of the Moot Court, especially enjoyed her experiences.

“The Creighton Moot Court Competition provides its second-year Law students with a rare opportunity to learn about a particular legal issue and be a client advocate.” Carstens said. “During the competition rounds, my oral argument skills dramatically increased, as I was required to formulate logical thoughts in little time and with few notes. The valuable feedback I received throughout the competition, I still use today.”

Although Law students are the ones competing, the general student body can attend the final rounds of competition, which are held at the Law School.

The competition will be held from Oct. 26-31. There will also be a reception held Nov.19. It wil be held at Creighton University School of Law. For further information, contact Pressler at [email protected].