The Art of Mooting and Client Counselling

Unit I — Introduction to Mooting and Moot Court Procedures

Meaning and Significance of Mooting—Relevance of Mooting in Law School— Difference between Moot Court and Real Court—Types of Mooting (: Appellate, Trial, International, Arbitration, etc.)—Manner of Organizing Moot Court (: Imaginary legal cases and Decided Cases)— Understanding Moot Court Rules and Regulation (: Overview of the rules governing Moot court Competition)—Role of Moot Court Participants (: Roles of Judges, advocates, researchers, and clerks in Moot Court Competition)—Stages of Moot Court Competition (: Legal research, Memorial Submission, and Oral Rounds)—Ethics and Professionalism in Moot Court.

• Study and analysis of Moot problems including issues involved
• Games Lawyers need to play — Understanding Moot Problems and Memorials

Unit II — Moot Court Research & Drafting

Research Methodologies for Moot Problems—Identifying and Analyzing Legal Issues—Drafting Memorials and Legal Briefs— Formatting and Citation Standards— Effective Use of Legal Databases.

• Study and analysis of Moot problems including issues involved
• Drafting of Moot Memorials/ Arguments
• Studying laws, rules and case laws for Moot Problems
• Use of Computer and internet in professional legal work

Unit III — Oral Advocacy Skills

Techniques for Effective Oral Arguments—Structuring Oral Submissions—Use of Legal Precedents in Oral Submissions—Responding to Judges’ Questions—Use of Language and Courtroom Etiquette—Duty towards Court, Clients, and Opponents and Colleagues—Eight Lampt of Advocacy.

• Moot — oral submissions
• Seven Lamps of Advocacy: Honesty, Courage, Industry, Wit, Eloquence, Judgment and Fellowship
• Duties

Unit IV — Mock Trial

Introduction to Mock Trial—Difference between Moot Court and Mock Trials— Roles in a Mock Trial: Attorney, Witness, Jury and Judge—Preparation of Mock Trials (Case Analysis, Evidence Collection, Witness Preparation, Trial Briefs)— Conducting Mock Trials: Opening Statements · Examination of Witness (Direct, Cross and Re-examination) and · Closing Arguments.

• Procedure for examination of witnesses
• Questions to be put up to the witnesses

Unit V — The Art of Client Counselling

Introduction to Client Counselling (:Purpose and importance in legal practice)— Understanding Client Needs(: Active listening, identifying legal issues, and managing expectations)—Building Trust and Confidentiality (: Establishing professional relationships and ethical considerations)— Communication Skills(: Verbal and non-verbal communication, empathy, and effective questioning)— Client Interview Techniques (: Preparation, conducting interviews, and documentation)—Providing Legal Advice(: Analyzing problems, presenting options, and guiding decision-making)— Managing Client Expectations(: Setting realistic goals, regular updates, and handling difficult situations).

• Counselling

Unit VI — Note: Unit I to V will be evaluated for 40 marks in Semester Examination . Practical Exercise I (Moot Court)

Each student is required to participate in a Moot Court exercise within appellate jurisdiction, which will be evaluated for a total of 15 marks. The assessment will - be based on the assigned legal problem, with marks allocated as follows: 5 marks for the Memorial, 5 marks for Oral Argument, and 5 marks for Courtroom Etiquette and Professionalism.

• Drafting of Moot Memorials/ Arguments
• Moot — oral submissions

Unit VII — Practical Exercise II (Mock Trial)

Each student will participate in a Mock Trial focusing on Original Jurisdiction, which will be evaluated for 20 marks. The assessment will be based on the following components: the Opening Statement (4 marks), where students must clearly and persuasively introduce the case · the Presentation of Evidence (4 marks), evaluating their effectiveness in presenting and supporting their argument · Examination and Cross-Examination (4 marks), which measures their - skill in questioning witnesses to strengthen their case or challenge the opposition · Closing Arguments (4 marks), assessing their ability to summarize and reinforce key points · and Courtroom Etiquette and Professionalism (4 marks), which considers their adherence to courtroom decorum, proper attire, and overall professionalism.

Unit VIII — Practical Exercise III (Client Counselling)

Each student will participate in a roleplay exercise, taking on both the roles of client and counsel in a client counselling scenario. The evaluation for the counsel role will be based on counselling skills (5 marks), which include communication, empathy, questioning techniques, problem-solving, and professionalism, as well - as the drafting of legal advice letters (5 marks), assessed on clarity and precision, legal accuracy, structure and presentation, and response to the client's needs. For the client role, the evaluation will focus on clarity of issues, engagement and realism, response to counselling, emotion and stress handling, and cooperation and professionalism, with each criterion contributing to a total of 10 marks.

• Counselling