Mooting, a simulated court hearing, allows students to practice presenting legal arguments, refining their public speaking and analytical skills. The competition is intense, with each team striving to craft and deliver compelling arguments before a panel of judges. This year, the Queensland Academy for Health Sciences (QAHS) fielded a team in the Bond University National High School Mooting Competition, representing the Appellant in the case of Bram Stoker v. Vlad and Drusilla Nosferatu, in a tort of negligence case concerning parents' duty to control their child when it is foreseeable that underage and unlicensed driving could cause harm to others.
The team comprised Senior Counsel Rihanna Patel, Junior Counsel Crystal Chen, and Instructing Solicitor Athena Hua. Their task was to argue that the Court of Appeal erred in its judgment regarding the respondentsl duty of care and the application of the voluntary assumption of risk defence.
Before the competition, participants attended the Bond Mooting Masterclass, where they received expert guidance on several critical aspects of mooting, such as proper courtroom etiquette and case citations, as well as tips for identifying and developing arguments and oral advocacy.
Of the 68 teams competing nationally, QAHS were selected as one of 12 teams to progress from the preliminary round to the semi-finals, with both Rihanna and Crystal receiving acknowledgement for oral advocacy. The team is grateful for the mentoring assistance of Alumna Zoha Khan (Class of 2022), who participated in the QAHS Grand Finalist Mooting team in the Bond competition in 2022 and is now studying a Bachelor of Laws and International Relations at the University of Queensland.
Participation in the Bond University Mooting Competition provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with real-world legal issues, develop their advocacy skills, and network with peers who share their passion for law. The experience underscored the importance of commitment, perseverance, and continuous learning in the journey towards a legal career.
The QAHS team, coached by Mrs. Rebegtz, showcased their talents and left a lasting impression on the judges and fellow competitors. Their journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, serves as an inspiration to all aspiring legal professionals.
Mrs Rebgetz
Principal
QAHS Mooting Program Coordinator