The University of Aberdeen’s law students came out on top when they went head-to-head with Robert Gordon University in the annual Granite City Mooting Competition on April 22.
The students engaged in legal debate in the prestigious real-life setting in front of Aberdeen's Sheriff Cusine for the contest, sponsored by by Paull & Williamsons.
Following a closely fought competition, the University of Aberdeen contestants held on to the winning shield.
Taking the stand for Aberdeen were Ryan Whelan (22), and Neale Tosh (20), both from Aberdeen, while Robert Gordon University was represented by Katie Irving (19) from Fraserburgh, and Joseph Theo Ewen (21), from Aberdeen.
They argued a problem set by lecturer Craig Anderson of Robert Gordon University and both the appellant and respondent thoroughly researched past cases and rulings ahead of the event.
The competition aims to challenge the students' understanding of the law and mooting skills, and the winning team were judged by the quality of their debating.
Rebecca Cox, Lecturer in Law at Aberdeen Business School and an organiser of the competition, said: “This annual event is an excellent opportunity for the students to test their skills in a real courtroom setting, in front of a real Sheriff and local solicitors.
“No matter how skilled any student is in their understanding of the law, public speaking skills and confidence only come with practice and the moots are a great way to do that.
“The majority of law students will at one time or another have to work in a courtroom and these facilities allow students to prepare in the best way possible."
Barbara Onuonga, President of the University of Aberdeen's Mooting Society, said, “This inter-university mooting competition is a great fixture in the legal calendar of The Granite City, for both students and local solicitors.
“The competition displayed the finest mooting talent the universities have to offer and provided an entertaining evening for spectators as the old rivalry was reignited in wonderful surroundings.
“We are very grateful for the support from everyone involved in making this event possible and we hope that it will be a prestigious occasion for years to come.”
A wine and sandwich buffet followed the moot, courtesy of sponsors Paull & Williamsons, where representatives from a host of solicitors from the local legal community took the opportunity to network with students.