Kaitlin Loeffler-White, 12 September, 2023
Eighteen teams across Australia submitted applications for QUT's 2023 High School Moot competition.
Students were asked to prepare a written response to a fictitious problem, which was then heard in the Queensland District Court without a jury.
In teams of two, students then competed against other schools, representing the prosecution and defence in different moots. Each moot was presided over by two judges, who asked questions and tested the legal knowledge of student advocates.
“I decided to participate in the QUT High School moot because I'm interested in going to QUT next year, and I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn about what goes on inside the courtroom,” one student shared
Fourteen teams were invited to present their cases in the QUT Gardens Point Campus heats in our dedicated courtrooms on 5 and 6 of August. Four teams progressed to the semi-finals on 13 August.
“It is impressive to see high school students present such strong arguments to the panel of judges from QUT Law academic staff, alumni and industry partners”, said Associate Professor James Duffy, who facilitates QUT’s mooting program.
“Mooting is a great opportunity for high school students in years 11 and 12 to engage with law at a university level.”
Brisbane Girls Grammar School took home the 2023 QUT High School Moot Champions title.
In addition to the title, they received a trophy to recognise their efforts.
QUT would also like to congratulate team The Lakes College, who came second.
Eldine Johnston, Teacher and Moot Mentor, Brisbane Girls Grammar School
“Our girls love participating in the mooting competition because it gives them the skill and the ability to actually get up and speak and present their cases and get that experience of first a year law school”, said teacher and mentor, Eldene Johnston.
QUT Law offers in-house moot competitions, where selected students are supported to compete in national and international competitions while earning academic credit. The QUT Law Society Inc. student club also runs a mooting club and holds workshops for university students to improve their skills.
If you are interested in learning more about QUT’s High School Moot Competition, please email buslawengage@qut.edu.au