The Annual Lecturers’ Charity Moot returned to Bristol Law School for a third year. The event took place at the Law School’s brand new moot court housed in the Law School’s new facilities at 8-10 Berkeley Square. The event was attended by students and staff, who gathered together to celebrate the launch of the new moot court and another charity event in support of the Avon and Bristol Law Centre (ABLC).

The advocates acting jointly for the appellant were Dr Cian Murphy, Professor Chris Willmore and Dr Eirik Bjorge with Dr Albert Sanchez-Graells and Dr Yvette Russell, acting for the respondent. The moot problem invited the two sides to argue in favour and against the application of criminal and human rights law to private activities.

The five academic staff members argued their case before a two-member bench consisting of Mr Nkumbe Ekaney QC, Bristol Law Alumnus and Barrister at 1 Garden Court, and Dr Sofia Galani, Lecturer in Law and the School’s Mooting Academic Adviser.

Mr Nkumbe Ekaney QC and Dr Sofia Galani were extremely interventionist judges, and the advocates did well to respond to all queries relatively unscathed. Not even the lack of skeleton argument could fluster Dr Cian Murphy, who replied to questioning on this issue with "this is a new building my lord, and I'm afraid we have not yet found the closet where the skeletons are hidden." Professor Willmore also boldly tried to invoke Lady Chatterley's Lover as an authority and Dr Russell's submissions led to the rhetorical question from the judge - "Why are we here?" met with laughter from the audience. The judges decided to reserve judgment, a testament to the persuasive argument and impressive advocacy displayed by both sides.

This was the third event co-hosted by the Bar Society, the University of Bristol Law Club, and Pro Bono Society, who worked all together to make the event a big success. The charity moot offered a great opportunity to the students to see what a moot is, understand the court etiquette and interventions in a mock court room. It was also an entertaining evening for students and staff who had the opportunity to meet up in a relaxed environment and enjoy a drinks reception hosted by the Law School. A total of £175 was raised, and it will be donated to the student societies’ charity of choice, the ABLC, which provides specialist legal advice and representation to people who could not otherwise afford access to justice.

Lily Walker-Parr, a final year Law student, and the President of the Bristol Bar Society said:

‘We would like to thank all who took part in organising the event, the advocates and judges who gave up their time to prepare and participate. We would also like to say a big thanks to all students and staff who attended the event and helped us raise money for the ABLC. We hope to see everyone next year for another charity moot!’