Law school to host its first national moot court competition
Contest to be held in early February in historic Charleston

CHARLESTON, S.C., Oct. 16, 2007 - - Law schools around the country have been invited to participate in the Charleston School of Law’s first national Moot Court competition. It will be held at the school and in the downtown area of Charleston from Feb. 6 to Feb. 9.

“The upcoming National Moot Court Competition hosted by the Charleston School of Law will benefit the students of school in a number of ways,” said Chris Moore, student chair of the new competition.

Moore said the school would get national recognition by hosting the event. “It is our sincere hope that those schools that send students to compete will not only leave satisfied with the competition itself, but also that they will go back to their respective schools with a great impression of our students and our school as a whole.

“We are committed to ensuring the first competition sets a strong precedent for future competitions and competitors. We are confident that the competition will become a source of pride for future CSOL students and faculty.”

Dean Richard Gershon said the competition would be of great benefit to the school.

“There is no better way to learn a subject than to research it, write a brief about it and then argue it in front of a panel of judges,” he said. “That is why Moot Court is such a wonderful way to learn. What could be better than having a great educational experience in the beautiful and historic city of Charleston?”

Professor Miller Shealy, who serves as the advisor to the Moot Court Board, added, “Moot court competitions are great opportunities for law students and law schools to demonstrate their legal skills and expertise.

“Law schools don't have football teams and basketball teams; we have moot court and mock trial teams. These competitions are a kind of forensic athletics. Schools and students get to show their stuff. Participation -- and especially winning or placing -- in one of these competitions looks great on a student's resume and adds to their school's prestige.”

Shealy said the February event had another advantage, especially for students in other schools who will be shivering in winter weather.

“Why not give all those cold Northern schools a warmer place to come to with loads of good Southern charm and history?”

The location of the Feb. 6-9 competition is being determined, but it will be held at the school and in downtown Charleston. For more information, go online to www.csolmoot.com.