A Moot at Last

I decided that after a hiatus of a year and a half and watching several hopeless mooters take centre stage on some very large stages, it was my turn. A day of preparation coupled with no sleep for the better part of the night is a brilliant plan for such situations..isn't it? As can be well documented from my numerous nocturnal excursions during the exams, no sleep never works. What began as a half hour power nap with the lights on quickly collapsed into a 4 hour binge with the lights mysteriously turning themselves off halfway through.

5:45 a.m. : "What time is it amma?" "Oh &%#*". Clench of fist in disgust and off to the table. "No breakfast, just coffee" "Now what? &*%$"

The truth is things were pretty 'peachy'. (sarcasm to be noted please) I had two hours in which to complete reading 11 cases and decide which ones to use during the course of my arguments. This was, of course contingent on the fact that I would actually figure out what I wanted to say in court. "Bloody brief..so shitty"
Lesson No. 1 for mooters: When preparation is inadequate, sufficiently curse the problem, the problem setter and the organisers. Do not be stingy on time alotted to this exercise, it can make the difference between winning and losing.

7:00 a.m.: Cases not read. Arguments unformulated. Beard very well shaved. Shoes well polished. Shirt well creased. Perfect double knot on the tie.
7:15 a.m.: Arguments done. Cases not read. Beard growing back at an extremely quick rate (always figured one lost hair). Shoes very dusty. Shirt folded everywhere. Tie in pocket.

By 8:30, I was just entering the Courtroom to argue a case I had little or no interest in by now, or as I described it to myself - a position where a lawyer knows his client is going to be referring to the Bar Directory very soon. After a brilliant 15 minutes of arguments between me and the Respondent, I walk out somewhat confused. The cause of the confusion is explained when I am asked by learned opposing Counsel "Dude, why were you arguing for me? Give me that case, I think it will help me if I get through to tomorrow's round"

11:00 a.m.: I've just finished 2nd in the Courtroom, 2 places above learned opposing Counsel. I think perhaps I stole the thunder from his arguments by coverig all the points before he could. After a summary analysis, I arrive at two possible conclusions; one, the judge was also confused as to which side I represented or two, the General Secretary of the Moot Court Association is granted 10 marks as a bonus for wonderful work through the year. Further analysis reveals to me that it must be the latter.

Another day of no sleep planned for tomorrow's round!