Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-11-2020

Abstract

During the U.S. Supreme Court’s October Term (OT) 2019—corresponding to the 2019-2020 academic year—the Supreme Court Institute (SCI) provided moot courts for advocates in 100% of the cases heard by the Supreme Court, offered a variety of programs related to the Court, and continued to integrate the moot court program into the Law Center curriculum. As in past Terms, the varied affiliations of advocates mooted this Term reflect the SCI’s commitment to assist advocates without regard to the party represented or the position advanced.

The OT 2019 Term was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Supreme Court cancelled its March and April Sittings, and in an unprecedented step, later scheduled a May Sitting to hear nine cases telephonically. To prepare advocates for these arguments, the SCI held remote moot courts using Zoom. Ten cases previously scheduled to be heard in March or April were postponed until the OT 2020 Term.

Even with the cancellation or delay of 19 scheduled moot courts, attendance at SCI moots was exceptionally strong. A total of 1114 observers, averaging 19 per moot court, attended SCI moots. This high attendance is particularly notable because the SCI held 10 fewer moots than the average 69 moots held in the previous nine Terms, and the entire May Sitting was held after classes had ended.

A list of all SCI moot courts held in OT 2019—arranged by sitting and moot court date, including the name and affiliation of each advocate and the number of student observers—is included at the end of this report.

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