OFENTSE MOTLHASEDI
Moot court season has officially arrived at Tuks. The preparations are underway and nothing remains except the fine touches.
A moot court competition is a simulated court process. It is a competition designed to give law students first-hand knowledge of actual court process and procedure. Students present legal arguments before a bench of judges. The judges are often acclaimed legal academics and practioners. This gruelling activity requires immense research, flawless presentation and nerves of steel.
Moot court competitions are open to all BA Law, BCom Law and LLB students. These competions have greatly increased in popularity among students and provide a forum to address legally relevant issues.
Tuks will be sending a group of first years students to compete in the annual First Year Moot Competition, which is organised by the University of the Free State, this month. The tournament (informally known as Kovsies) is held at the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein.
It is held in dual medium and Tuks will be sending two English and two Afrikaans teams. Each team is made up of two speakers. These students will advance legal arguments before distinguished judges as well as advocates from the Free State Bar. The subject matter of the moot relates to a family law issue. This year’s issue deals with the paternity of two minor children swopped at birth.
Kovsies 2009 will be a particularly challenging year for Tuks participants. Firstly, the pressure is on because Tuks has won the competition two years in a row, winning both the English and Afrikaans rounds last year
Secondly, due to the increased interest shown, 16 teams have entered this year. This is more than ever before. Despite this, Ian Learmonth, English team coach, and Loius Botha, Afrikaans team coach, are both confident in their teams and are looking forward to the competition.
