STU Mooters Excel at UofT Mooting Cup
STU Mooters Ellie Namit and Nicholas Reis upset the top-seeded team to on route to a top four finish at the University of Toronto Mooting Cup.
Out of 32 teams, the STU duo earned a spot in the semifinals, before falling to Neha Gupta and Zeeniya Waseem from the University of Toronto.
“Advancing to the semifinals as underdogs and defeating the top-seeded team was a major highlight for us,” said Namit, who is studying Sociology and Human Rights.
STUdents Sunaa Hansen, Jhami Lee Charles, Ada Carr, and Emma Peters also competed at the event, but failed to advance to the second day of competition.
Preparation for the Case
The core issue of the competition case was whether the government should be liable for damages resulting from enacting unconstitutional laws. The case required balancing parliamentary immunity with accountability, challenging the STU team to argue both sides effectively.
“The complexity of the case made preparation all the more crucial,” said Namit.
"We focused on making our arguments persuasive and adaptable since we never knew what the opposing team would argue," they said.
Namit and Reis, who have been competing in Moot Court for nearly three years credit their success to teamwork, communication, and preparation.
“Moot Court is demanding—it requires students to be specific, precise in writing, speaking, and even thinking. The only way to effectively convey a point is through mastering these skills,” said Reis.
Reis came to STU with an interest in Criminology but discovered his passion for the legal field through Human Rights and Moot Court.
“Reading cases, researching decisions, drafting arguments, and working with like-minded individuals made me realize how much I love this. It’s a tight-knit group that experiences every emotion together,” he said.
For Namit, Moot Court was pivotal in shaping their aspirations.
"STU Moot Court gave me the confidence and skills to pursue law and public policy. I’ve met law students, lawyers, and judges who have influenced my career path. It’s a great way to make connections and explore your interests,” they said.
STU Moot will compete in several upcoming competitions, including the Osgoode Cup and the Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition.