First law staff moot

The Law School's Mooting Society has held its first ever staff moot, with Faculty Dean Professor Colin Reid pairing up with senior lecturer Fiona Raitt to represent Her Majesty's Advocate, and Head of the Law School Professor Alice Belcher partnering new lecturer Sarah Venn to argue on behalf of the accused.

The moot, a simulation of an appeal hearing on a point of law presided over by a panel judges, arose from an unusual set of facts involving a murder that took place between a husband and wife, in retaliation to an incident of domestic violence.

Fourth year law student Steven Blane presided as Lord Blane over proceedings. Sarah Venn explained, "Lord Blane found for the respondents in the case, and as for judging the mooting skills of the lecturers, took the view that his degree was more important and called it a draw! There was also a moment where both senior counsel were using their mooting skills to tactfully imply that the other was talking a load of rubbish, which nearly ended in a water fight!"

Over 100 students and members of staff watched on from the public gallery, enjoying the role reversal and the grilling the staff received from Lord Blane.

Tickets for the event doubled as raffle tickets and the mooting society raised over £200, which will be used to cover expenses in preparing for international mooting competitions.

Dundee Law School has one of Scotland's most successful mooting societies and has more events planned for the rest of the academic year.