Tips for the Ghana School of Law Moot Court Exam

I have received some calls from Part II students of the Ghana School of Law requesting tips on how to pass the moot court exam. Below are some tips that may help you pass if you are taking the exam: 

1. When you receive your brief, dedicate adequate time to read and understand the brief. Do not leave anything to chance. You ought to know what your client’s case is and how you are going to write your submissions. If you are for the appellant, please raise relevant grounds of appeal. Your grounds must flow from the judgment/summing up/ ruling of the court. If you are for the respondent, your task will be to defend the judgement/ summing up or ruling of the court by responding to the grounds of appeal. 

2. Study the evidence (witness statement/ evidence in chief, cross-examination, and re-examination)  and know the particular paragraphs and lines some key pieces of evidence were given. You may be asked in court to point to a particular line in the record to support your point and you should not be found wanting. 

3. You may want to discuss the brief with your colleagues who are representing the same party to ensure that you are on the same page. 

4. You may also want to discuss the brief with your opponent in order to prepare fully and avoid unnecessary surprises in court. Remember, your focus is on passing the exam, not winning the case. 

5. On the day your case will be called, dress well and be in the appropriate law school attire. Dressing well to suit the occasion boosts confidence. 

6. In court, please use courtroom language. You should familiarize yourself with courtroom usages such as: “ if it pleases this honourable court”; “ humbly obliged my Lord”; “that is so my Lord”; “humbly submitted” etc. Do not attempt to sound funny or pompous. Remember on that day, you are a lawyer and you must act as such. When introducing yourself, do not say; “ Good morning my Lord, my name is ….” Rather you can say “if it pleases this honourable court, I am Jennifer Addai for the defendant/appellant”.  

7. Please observe all courtroom etiquette. Do not stand up when your colleague is on his or her feet. Bow before the judge where necessary and do not be communicating with your colleagues while seated at the bar. Please avoid the temptation to use your phone while court is in session and if you would not mind, please put off your phone. Also, under no circumstances should you try to mislead the court. 

8. You need to master the facts very well. Some judges test you based on your knowledge of the facts. Whether you are for the appellant or respondent, please prepare very well to give the court the facts of the appeal. 

9. Arrive at the courtroom on time, relax and stay confident. You may be doing this for the most part of your life and need to see it as the first of such experiences.  Confidence however comes with full preparation, therefore prepare adequately.

10. You may also be tested on whether you have the qualities of an advocate, therefore you need to show tenacity. Also, try not to fidget or show you may be afraid of the judge. If you are sure of the law and your position, defend it. While at it, do not sound disrespectful or arrogant but rather convincing and polite. 

11. If you are religious, draw strength from God through prayer and do the very best you can.

I hope you find these helpful.

Kenneth A. Appiah |ENSafrica |Kafriyieappiah@yahoo.com or Kappiah@ensafrica.com