S P E E C H & D E B AT E
What is a “Moot”?
PAUL HOLLELEY EXPLAINS THE
IMPORTANCE OF THIS LEGAL TRADITION
WITHIN THE WORK OF THE ESU
WORDS PAUL HOLLELEY
What is a“Moot”? Here is a little quiz:
“Moot” is:
a) An issue that people disagree about
b) An issue that no-one cares about
any more
c) A suggestion that an issue may be
raised for discussion
d) A meeting place to discuss issues
e) swan of the Anatidae family
A
Answers: a- d are all correct and e is just
silly –that is “mute”, naturally!
26 | dialogue
For me, explaining the Mooting
Competition run by the ESU in
collaboration with Essex Court
Chambers, to a dinner party audience,
inspires the sort of glazed-over
expression one expects from people who
serio