Silver for UP mooters at Kovsie First Year Moot Court Competition

Posted on October 12, 2018

On 2 October 2018, the UP Law team representing the University of Pretoria left for Bloemfontein to take part in the 14th Annual Kovsie Moot Competition. The team, comprised of Lauren Webber and Kyle Cloete, both first year BA Law students, was accompanied by coach Devan Falconer, fourth year LLB.  That evening the team was presented with a set of facts which they would be given a day to prepare in order for the preliminary rounds on 4 October in the Supreme Court of Appeal. The set of facts concerned the best interests of the child, assignment of parental rights and responsibilities and elements of neglect and choice of religion.

The team presented their arguments in the both Courts A and C of the Supreme Court of Appeal, an amazing opportunity for the students to be able to moot and appear in one of the biggest courts in the land. The preliminary rounds went exceptionally well, and the team impressed in both rounds. At the conclusion of the preliminary rounds, the University of Pretoria team performance in the preliminary round saw them as one of six teams progressing through to the finals that would be held the next day.

The team was presented with a brand new set of facts concerning the transfer of an imprisoned father and the impact on the children’s best interests, as well as the possible infringement on the right to dignity. After a whole night of preparation, the team once more performed exceptionally in the final of the competition. Although the team was not declared overall winners, the team did exceptionally well and did the University of Pretoria and the UP Moot Society proud.

And this is what the participants had to say of their experience:

The 2018 Kovsie Moot Court Competition was a whirlwind of an experience – Not only did I get to experience the Supreme Court of Appeal and meet fellow law students from all over the country, but I also had the opportunity to create incredible memories. It was an absolute honour to represent the University of Pretoria and work dedicatedly alongside my partner, Kyle Cloete, and coach, Devan Falconer. The week in Bloemfontein taught me so much with regard to mooting skills and the legal field in general, further proving to me that I am heading in the right direction. I look forward to further experiences like this!  - Lauren Webber

The Kovsie Moot Court Competition proved to be a worthwhile experience. The Competition provided an interesting set of facts and the opportunity to moot in the Supreme Court of Appeal was a great honour that I will look back on fondly. Further, the Competition as a whole provided invaluable mooting experience that I hope will stand me in good stead in any future moot competitions should I get the chance to represent the University of Pretoria and the Moot Society again. – Kyle Cloete

Fltr:  Kyle Cloete, Devan Falconer and Lauren Webber

- Author UP Moot / Devan Falconer

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