Moot Courts
Mooting is a unique and exciting way to experience the world of law. Imagine a formal debate where you’re not only discussing a topic but stepping into the shoes of actual lawyers, arguing a fictional case in front of a judge. In a moot, “mooters” participants act as advocates representing one side of a legal issue. Their goal is to convince the judge that their side’s arguments and interpretation of the law are correct.
Domestic Courts
Criminal Court
The Criminal Court deals with cases where someone is accused of breaking the law, committing a crime, or harming society. In these cases, the government prosecutes the individual or group accused of a crime, such as theft, criminal damage, or fraud. The purpose of a criminal court is to determine whether the accused is guilty and, if so, to decide an appropriate punishment. Criminal courts emphasize fairness, justice, and protecting the public, and are essential for keeping society safe.
Civil/Family Court
The Civil Court handles disputes over rights, obligations, or contracts between individuals, businesses, or other private entities. Unlike criminal cases, civil cases don’t involve accusations of breaking the law; instead, they usually focus on resolving disagreements about things like property ownership, contracts, family matters, or personal injuries. Civil courts aim to provide a fair resolution for both parties, often by awarding compensation to the wronged party or enforcing agreements.
Cabinet of the United Kingdom
The Cabinet of the UK is a group of senior government ministers the Prime Minister chooses to make high-level decisions about the country’s policies and laws. Each Cabinet member is responsible for a specific area, like education, defense, or health, and they work together to create and manage policies in these areas. The Cabinet plays a crucial role in shaping national policy, guiding the government’s direction, and responding to critical issues affecting the UK.
House of Commons
The House of Commons is one of the two houses of the UK Parliament and is often considered the center of political power in the country. Members of Parliament (MPs) elected by the public represent different regions of the UK and debate, propose, and vote on new laws and policies. The House of Commons is known for lively debates, where MPs discuss pressing issues, hold the government accountable, and make decisions that shape the country's future. The Commons ensures that the voices of the people are heard and represented in the government’s actions.
International Courts
European Court of Human Rights
The European Court of Human Rights, or ECHR, is an international court based in Strasbourg, France, that protects human rights across Europe. It was established to enforce the European Convention on Human Rights, a treaty signed by many European countries that promises to uphold fundamental freedoms and human rights. Individuals can bring cases to the ECHR if they believe their rights have been violated and have tried all other legal options in their country. The ECHR has the power to make sure that governments respect the rights and freedoms of their citizens, promoting justice and equality across Europe.
International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice, often called the ICJ, is the primary judicial body of the United Nations. It is also based in The Hague and handles legal disputes between countries rather than individuals. The ICJ resolves issues related to boundaries, treaties, and other international law matters. The court’s decisions help to maintain peace, stability, and cooperation among nations. Countries that bring cases to the ICJ agree to respect its decisions, making it an essential institution for resolving international conflicts peacefully.
International Criminal Court
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a global court based in The Hague, Netherlands, that deals with the most serious crimes affecting the international community. It investigates and tries individuals accused of crimes like genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Unlike national criminal courts, the ICC only steps in when countries are unable or unwilling to prosecute these cases themselves. Its purpose is to ensure justice for victims, promote accountability for serious crimes, and deter future crimes globally.
Commercial Courts
Trans-National Corporation Committee
The Trans-National Corporation Committee (TNCC) is a new, innovative forum where students represent major international companies and tackle some of the most pressing ethical and legal issues in global business today. In this committee, students will assume the roles of corporate leaders from companies like Amazon, Google, Temu, and Nike and debate complex topics that affect economies, communities, and individuals worldwide. Key issues include workers’ rights, fair labour practices, and the influence of global corporations on markets and consumers. For instance, should companies be held accountable for using sweatshops, or are they simply adapting to international competition? How much power should corporations have before they become monopolies, limiting fair competition? The TNCC debate format will compel students to find solutions that balance business success with social responsibility. They will draft resolutions, negotiate compromises, and advocate for practices that could set a fair and sustainable standard for global corporations.
Commercial Arbitration Court
The Commercial Court is a special branch of the civil court system that deals specifically with complex business and financial disputes. These courts hear cases related to trade, finance, and commerce, such as disputes between large companies, cases involving international trade, or disagreements about business contracts. The Commercial Court is designed to handle these cases efficiently and fairly, ensuring businesses can resolve their issues in a specialized legal setting.
Psychology Organisations
British Psychological Association Case Review Commission
The British Psychological Association Case Review Commission (BPACRC) is a unique forum where students step into the role of psychological experts, each representing a distinct area of psychology, to analyze and debate the causes behind complex legal cases. In BPACRC, students will examine real-life inspired cases, exploring how different psychological factors might contribute to criminal behaviour. Each student or team will advocate for their assigned psychological perspective, presenting evidence and arguments to convince others that their field is the primary influence in each case. By examining behaviour through multiple lenses, students will grapple with questions about nature versus nurture, mental health, and the impact of external versus internal factors on human behaviour. The BPACRC aims to determine the dominant psychological cause behind each case and create a policy paper outlining its findings. This paper will offer recommendations for addressing similar societal issues, reflecting the Commission’s commitment to understanding and preventing crime through psychological insights.
Bureau of Investigative and Forensic Journalists
The Bureau of Investigative and Forensic Journalists (BIFJ) is a team of investigative student journalists who play a critical role in uncovering new angles, evidence, and insights in each court case. Unlike formal courtroom roles, members of the BIFJ act as independent observers and investigators, with access to every moot court. BIFJ members can enter any court anytime, adding real-time discoveries to ongoing cases to make them more engaging and complex. Their investigations will ultimately culminate in a press release that summarizes the case they’ve followed, highlights key revelations, and reflects the case's broader social or legal implications. With this fluid role, the BIFJ combines investigative journalism skills with forensic analysis, providing a vital “watchdog” perspective that sharpens the debate and ensures no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of justice.