What is the format of a moot?
The moots are roughly divided into two parts. The first part is formal in character and the second part is an informal discussion. We ask both counsel and the Justices to stay in role during the first part of the proceeding, in order to maximize the value of the formal moot. We keep track of the time and notify counsel when time is up, but then allow the formal questioning and answering to proceed until the “Chief Justice” concludes that time would be better spent in the second part of the moot, which is the informal discussion. The formal question/answer session typically last about 45 minutes, but never more than one hour. During the informal discussion that follows, counsel and the Justices have the opportunity to discuss the case, including the relative effectiveness and ineffectiveness of all aspects of counsel’s argument. The discussion is simultaneously candid and constructive.
