Prize in Esade's Pre-University Moot Court

A team of Year 2 Upper Secondary students from Sant Ignasi recently took part in Esade's Moot Court for pre-university students, a realistic mock trial in which students from various schools argue a case before a court consisting of legal experts and law students.

Our team, made up of Pol Saurí, Blanca Colom, Carla Retana and Mercè Pedreira, performed outstandingly well and won this year's event after an extremely hard-fought final. Their preparation, teamwork and ability to present and argue their ideas were crucial in the course of the case.

The competition is held entirely in Spanish and brings together at most eight teams made up of Year 4 Lower Secondary and Year 1 or 2 Upper Secondary students. Mixed teams from different schools can also enter. Each group has to prepare the position of both plaintiff and defendant beforehand as the role is assigned by drawing lots on the day of the oral arguments. During the proceedings, the quality of the legal arguments is assessed along with balanced participation of all team members, the use of formal vocabulary and the ability to analyse the facts.

The oral arguments are conducted in a tight format: oral presentations restricted to 15 minutes with no spoken support from fellow students and strict penalties for infringements such as using electronic devices or interruptions. Verdicts are given by a two-member court consisting of a legal expert or Esade lecturer and an Esade Law School student and impartiality is fully guaranteed.

The prize for the winning team includes a spot at the Summer School of Global Governance & Law Experience, a free admission test to study at Esade, and in the case of Year 2 Upper Secondary students 25% off the first year's tuition fee.