Ames Moot Court Competition 2023

On November 15, 2023, the Ames Moot Court Competition Final Round took place in Ames Courtroom at Harvard Law School. The competition was presided over by Hon. Sonia Sotomayor, associate justice of the United States Supreme Court; Goodwin Liu, Supreme Court of California; and
Rachel Kovner, United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. This year's case was United States Occupation Safety and Health Administration v. Federici Contracting, LLC.
The Patsy Takemoto Mink Memorial Team (Petitioner):
Derek Choi
Kunal Dixit
Daniel Flesch (oralist)
Phoebe Kotlikoff
Yusuke Tsuzuki
Monica Wang (oralist)
- Meet the Team: • Countdown to Ames 2023...
The Judge Laurence H. Silberman Memorial Team (Respondent):
Max Alvarez
Eric Bush
Richard Dunn (oralist)
Hayley Isenberg (oralist)
Jessica Flores
Brandon Sharp
- Meet the Team: • Countdown to Ames 2023...
Watch past competitions here: • Ames Moot Court Compet...
Read more about the Ames Moot Court Competition Final Round here: orgs.law.harvard.edu/bsa/fina...
For full coverage of the competition, visit Harvard Law Today: hls.harvard.edu/today/the-202...

[@ColtonBlumhagen]

Raise your hand if this came up in your recommended and you have no clue what's happening but still watched the whole thing.

[@AbundantChris]

It’s a mock trial for Harvard Law School students simulating a Supreme Court hearing.

[@ColtonBlumhagen]

@@AbundantChris I know that lol. As far as what they're arguing, that is what I didn't get.

[@johnmallino1088]

The case is essentially determining whether or not the court has the jurisdiction to award a judgement in favor of the victim in a PPE covid-era rule violation (the victim being the second team to present), and if the court does, what that punishment should be.@@ColtonBlumhagen

[@Ysnchris]

@@ColtonBlumhagen it mostly sounds foreign when you don't have the actual case. Once you watch the video, unless you watch to maybe learn tactics or to analyze something you won't get much from the actual case🙂

[@instaves]

@@AbundantChris you dont say

[@mnrieux]

I could not handle the level of intense and immediate grilling from the judges. My anxiety would go through the roof. These students killed it… im so impressed.

[@samg5753]

Agreed! Justice Liu was especially tough... he reminded me of a great university professor that asks the tough questions to help his students think on their feet and go the extra mile in order to grow and learn. Bravo to both teams

[@jcola2296]

I don’t know how someone could ever go and have the floor to present an argument in front of that massive audience and a Supreme Court justice without completely breaking down from nerves, especially someone who’s new to the field, hats off!

[@pulee1001]

When you study, practice, and know God, it’s easy, because you realize Supreme Court Justices are ‘man’ and flawed, as we all are.

[@davidc4408]

F it. We are going to die one day. Just go balls out in life. You only have one life

[@LivingbyLeah]

If you want people to take you seriously, you need to act like you own the place.

[@orangutank626]

As a computer teacher honestly, Most people arent really focusing on what your saying but wondering what they will do in your place. especially during an examination such as this. Speaking in front of teenagers for years you kinda loose that grip of anxiety. Also really knowing your material helps immensely.

[@lugia8888]

It’s not hard just practice a few times. My first time was rough but after a while it became natural

[@tehgamist7139]

I like that they interrupt so soon. Any idiot can recite a perfectly rehearsed speech, they actually have to think on their feet.

[@quehablo]

I mean, most actual appellate course judges will interrupt quite quickly. They've already read the brief, they want to get to questions quickly

[@prettyclassylady6218]

No need to call them idiots

[@alyariel9713]

As someone who competed for the undergrad AMCA moot court competition, most people cannot recite a heavily complicated legal argument for 10+ minutes straight, especially with no notes. That's why it takes roughly 8+ months of preparation for competitions, it's challenging. Compared to interruptions, reciting is actually much harder and called a "dead bench" because of no interaction with the Justices. Time moves slowly and you need enough content to cover the allotted time you're given. Due to the amount of research you put in the cases supporting your argument, it's actually much easier to answer these questions off the cuff, and weave them into your argument roadmap. I'd like to see you try it sometime. 😄

[@nathangillingham5734]

When Justice Sotomayor said "You will reach even greater heights than me" I feel like thats a bit hard considering... she's literally on the Supreme Court😅

[@NguyenNatri]

I think she meant the US President / Vice President, Chief Justice Supreme Court or House Speaker.

[@nateo200]

The Supreme Court is only the highest you can go if you don't explore other options :) The grass is always greener on the otherside I'm sure some of the Justices secretly wish they were doing something else.

[@joaom7554]

@@nateo200She could mean reaching Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

[@simplyeason]

where did she say that?

[@DrLivingParadox]

1:24:15 !! :)@@simplyeason

[@historyprofessor1985]

As a professor, it would be a great honor to have students as polished as these!

[@adamharrold407]

I dont know about me, but my friend who got 85% for mooting comp only got c plus for the same subject, soooooo, it depends

[@kaustubhraizada]

and in reality its different@@adamharrold407

[@sarcasticcf3553]

well polish them!

[@pulee1001]

Is it the Professor’s duty to polish the students?

[@sarcasticcf3553]

yes it is@@pulee1001

[@itsandrewdiego]

I'm so proud of all these people. The countless hours of hard work, preparation, thoughtful discourse and commitment to excellence are apparent across the board. Bravo.

[@Matt67012]

Too bad all legitimate firms will refuse to hire these disgusting antisemites

[@DrMaja9Urkel]

I did not understand a single word that came out of their mouths, but I loved it! Also, watching people getting cold-called is exhilarating!

[@isaacjaimes6757]

38:35 AWWWW the little note he passes her and the fist bump she gives him, sooo cute !!

[@marycjey4141]

Hats off to all the speakers. You really did an amazing job. You made it as if it's not an intense conversation in front of the experts.

[@Matt67012]

Hats off to the Harvard bigots

[@kastvam_koham]

Watching this with my thourough knowledge of Legal System (i only watched Suits)

[@atlrocafella]

😂😂same here.

[@tsmutylo]

Lol im with you

[@sofi465]

Same I’m very qualified in this field. (I watched Better Call Saul)

[@johannsebastianbach3411]

I guess I beat you guys. I watched them both. A couple times 😂😂

[@MsJodi188]

😂

[@fakejohn928]

I love the composure and confidence of the students as they speak to these prominent legal figures

[@ram_bam]

I don't don't think that the lady who fainted and kept going can ever be topped.

[@feersided]

if I was there I would probably have a panic attack 1 minute into my introductory speech. 😅

[@edmund8411]

Here for the vocabulary but as always I'M STUNNED by the brilliance.

[@DonYutuc]

Who's watching in 2024? If you are, consider yourself in the top 5% of the top legal KZbin audience because the algorithm sensed your attraction to a Supreme Court simulation "situation," such as this. Congratulations. 5 years from now, we could be watching a similarly orchestrated competition with the speakers beamed inside our office or wherever we're watching from. 4.5 million viewer's have made another Harvard Law School competition from 4 years ago, viral. Some of us watching this year will become Judges, Supreme Court justices and or in politics. Either way 💯 consider yourself chosen, in the realm of law. I rest my case. 😊

[@Subliminalmessage78]

I love anything legal! I also have a book of essential Supreme Court cases with summaries. I innately love numbers, but I love reading court transcripts and law books all day.

[@DonYutuc]

@@Subliminalmessage78Thank you. I can relate. I love numbers. Where can I get this book of Supreme Court cases?

[@user-zv7hb1de9o]

What breaks my heart, is that, we humans can be so rational and logical and yet rationality is subdued in this cruel real world for self interests.

[@dominicmutiso1502]

I love your English! Learnt a few words. Are you an English native speaker?

[@user-kog12vbnll]

Life is hard , wear helmet

[@MB-gd6be]

Self - and self interests are the key words

[@lorenzorosales284]

@@user-kog12vbnll agree, but what they said is true though.

[@landsgevaer]

Humans rational and logical. That is funny.

[@learnenglish-vc7un]

whaaaaaaaaaat hats off, my anxiety would kill me , my legs would be dancing and my face would be burning besides my shaking hands

[@muhammadsajjadali3172]

The judges are really tough!

[@can72287]

Its Harvard. A Harvard degree is well earned.

[@g2828cc]

@@can72287 seems like you can just plagiarize and become president

[@okorotimothy5133]

​@@g2828ccDo it if you can let's see

[@muhammadfarhanzahidabdilla3217]

Finally we can watch Ames Moot Court Competition 2023 version!! Am so gladd

[@venticoldbrewser5593]

Congratulations to both teams! I also enjoy getting exposure to more judges through these videos. I hope Judge Paul Oetken participates as a judge soon.

[@boxhitbox1455]

I love this. I have no idea what they are talking about but I find myself so engaged in this debate and the reactions of the students behind the people arguing their positions.

[@NYSkylark]

The teams are so good. Congrats to all.

[@reallilyss]

first time observed this court, impressed and inspirational

[@kailasv123]

Awesome and insightful moot. Got to learn so many things and amount of research both teams put in, is just awe inspiring. No wonder Harvard Law is class apart.

[@jdewitte100]

Thanks, remembering too my own uniUtrecht/Aula-Debating 50yrs ago

[@jeremiahmathews1650]

Wow. The preparation from these students (both sides) really shows! It makes me excited about beginning law school soon.

[@KingOfThePirates101]

Tbh, I was never really interested in laws or politics until the Supreme Court overturned Roe V Wade. Since then, I've been listening to experts, judges, and people in this field. I'm thinking about going back to school to study law as well.

[@ThisAccount.isPrivate]

I am speechless....

[@brentturno861]

Love it! ❤

[@zoeg5451]

they're really just saying words like i could never be a lawyer I'm such a bad bullshitter

[@israilborih7815]

Beautiful

[@machutdhieu3308]

Am a south sudanese citizen study law at starford International university, south Sudan, am so glad the amazing moot cote

[@LDTun]

To the first speaker, dont put your hand in your pocket when speaking to the judges hahaah

[@jeremiahmathews1650]

That student was actually my favorite oralist. I appreciate his slow and deliberate manner of speaking. He wasn't in a rush to get his point across but rather focused on making sure his points were understood and well placed

[@LDTun]

@@jeremiahmathews1650 I liked his tone too but sticking your hand in your pocket is a big nono

[@genesisshollins9326]

@@LDTunDo you mind me asking why? I’m not in the law field and am just genuinely curious lolol

[@mhbdcox]

This is a great discussion.

[@HumanIntelligence]

great involvement guys cheers for future

[@shimronnetia]

...love this very educational

[@TxInfinity]

I can't help but think of the TV show "Suits" when watching Harvard Law students debate. My thought is that they will all go to Wall Street to become corporate lawyers.

[@filmdorked]

Ahh my favorite video of the year is back

[@abcxyz-py8ui]

I'm not even into law and I don't even understand any of these, but it's quite inspiring lol

[@tristangardner9103]

Gotta love a hot bench! The advocate handled this very well.

[@yuunyuun]

THIS WAS FUN TO WATCH!!

[@muhammadaamir-official]

Up to the mark...

[@roxannepedlar7763]

The Zone of Permissibility’ is actually a very specific type of area that sets up the rules by which the ‘injury suffered’ and the remedy that is to be applied can be measured.

[@matej.m.rejsek8537]

I realize it's not an apples-to-apples comparison, but I can't help but remark on how reasonable, measured and in some cases compelling the people making these arguments are, in contrast to the lunacy that is modern day college debate.

[@klytus42]

Justice Liu is scrumptious. 😍

[@gregorysanders9034]

Good to see that the views are up

[@DigitalChaos671]

due to the prosecutors allegation not having relevant evidence to support the accusation, my client remains innocent of this alleged crime.

[@madhavraj_026]

Whoa ! exception

[@khadisignatureghana]

This is beautiful to watch. Very educational

[@TOMCAT5.5149]

Hit da pub!!!

[@tizamhango1114]

These students are brilliant.

[@yoda1197]

Wow, gold

[@ellesher7990]

Can someone help explain the case at hand or is there another video about that?

[@roxannepedlar7763]

The application of the law is broad enough that it can cover the types of injuries that are suffered by the victims in this case 😮.

[@D0NTREPLY]

i'm a cleaner by trade, but for some reason i come to watch this because watching very intelligent people in action is just very fascinating for a caveman like myself😁

[@roxannepedlar7763]

I think that Section 706 contains the language that references the word ‘set aside’ as meaning to enjoin or to vacate😮😅.

[@n3m3g4y8]

I’d hire Dick Dunn just from that flow he’s got working up top. He has potential for some great slogans if he decides to start his own practice.

[@davidwu3681]

The intelligence and poise of these lawyers to be are certainly impressive. Let's pray that they don't apply their extra-ordinary talents to evil causes like Josh Hawley, Elise Stepanik, Ted Cruz....

[@jakobvogel6764]

all of these students are far more intelligent than josh Hawley and ted cruz.

[@roxannepedlar7763]

The question of whether the Appeals Court has jurisdiction to hear the case that is being presented before it is a good question to ponder 😂😢😮.

[@roxannepedlar7763]

The rule that is being described is the ‘Equitable Relief’ or ‘Remedy’😅.

[@opufy]

it really is like the movies you could watch those for practice

[@kaydub7396]

Lol u funny

[@Blackhansdom]

this video is a history

[@roxannepedlar7763]

😂 This debate is awesome 😅.

[@roxannepedlar7763]

The designation of jurisdiction authority that has been granted to the federal Court is different from the jurisdiction that is given to the state Courts 😮.

[@Grace_lr]

This is so intimidating

[@VortexMendoza]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Congratulations

[@roxannepedlar7763]

The definition of a ‘class action suit’ involves the following factors that affect all of the parties in the suit as being injured or harmed 😮😢.

[@sailorush]

I’m 13 years old and want to be a lawyer when I retire as a usa gymnast for the men’s Side of the sport and I’m here so I can get a head start in college before I go so I can be a great lawyer

[@SpikoDreams]

You could start by using proper punctuation. What did I just read?

[@char3190]

I got anxiety watching this but I kept watching 😅

[@KaufmanNews]

Next week

[@user-ek9vg8eo1j]

I have heard of Milligan

[@user-ek9vg8eo1j]

Is it only article 3 , or are there other articles available?

[@roxannepedlar7763]

The Emergency Price Control section of the ACA specifically speaks about setting aside of areas that have to be vacated , not necessarily to prevent a catastrophic outcome 😂.

[@emiLydad]

should’ve done law in college love this

[@user-uy9rc4ne2l]

Wow

[@camilopelaez5498]

I was thinking of directing my business masters degree towards law but after this, NO THANKS! 😂😂

[@shubhampaul8431]

Why no one passed out like last time 💀

[@littlelilacbunny]

What?! What happened spill 😂😂

[@spearshake4771]

​​@@littlelilacbunnyI think they are referring to the previous year's Moot competition where the one woman passed out but that was most likely due to a bit of dehydration as she was fine after she had some water to drink.

[@shubhampaul8431]

@@littlelilacbunnylast year a girl passed out while arguing. Everyone was like ohhhhhh 😮

[@waziakbar9991]

@@shubhampaul8431craziest part was that 5 mins later she got up and just kept going 😭

[@hukuna9957]

Richard Dunn ate down

[@user-bg6qb7fr6b]

Yo, sáy.Dr.Sonyià.SotoMayor.

[@robioavion]

I am not a lawyer, I don't know why this was suggested to me, but DAMN Justice Liu.. that man is handsome!

[@Continentalmunkey88]

Model United Nations potential prep arena; reducing 195 countries to 164/163

[@Erikcasas64]

Come pick me up. i need to go to Harvard, right Emmett?

[@jonathanbuttery1149]

constutional

[@okorotimothy5133]

Does howard uni have a moot court?

[@adiksadiatabs]

I'm sticking with HTGAWM

[@kabirsaha8330]

I guess the girl sitting to the left of the speaking guy is his friend, girlfriend or something cause see she's just soo happy to see him talking so firmly and smirks

[@coca8779]

is there a winner?

[@roxannepedlar7763]

The injunctive relief remedy that the Courts have as part of their authority to regulate the use of the’Vacater statutes mentioned in Section 706 and Section 703😂😮.

[@NazliZaidov-]

qanunsuzluq edənlər normal olaraq cəza alırlar. heç kimə qarşı ədalətsizlik edilmir. hər kəs etdiklərinə görə mühakimə edilir.

[@MariadeLourdesAniesSanch-ze7hf]

you see.. reason I like change

[@roxannepedlar7763]

The decision to choose between ‘vacater’ or ‘stay’ is a tricky choice 😮😢😅.

[@claudiamanta1943]

16:10 *My brain* 😧🥱😴 Dixit.

[@naveenadduri5091]

Hi hello ma'am today

[@DucHongLe]

Hi!

[@robertmueller2023]

How's that Facebook anti-trust action going? Does the guy in Idaho think that he broke any laws?

[@jdewitte100]

Trias Politica, hidden? Basics: Highest STATE-Authority (Parliamant) sets Its Own Rules; one of the COURT_interpretation-method(s) can be (part/whole) e.g. extensive or restrictive, as to objective formalis/materialis, ~ "real reality < iuridical rules > iuridical reality" however in time as to same legal text interpretation can be somewhat different, quod non?

[@jdewitte100]

By the way: International(ly) as to damages incidents accidents(injury death), e.g. as to air traffic or nuclear installations then supranational there is a range with a maximum; possibility of STATE funding too;

[@piseykhoeun6528]

In my country never discuss too much like this about court 😅

[@user-ek9vg8eo1j]

a lot of pauses would benefit her argument

[@pastormarciliodeusprovera]

I'm Brazilian, I admire the attitude of the American court judges, they certainly put on a show with their performances. The Brazilian court currently finds the situation regrettable. Hats off to the American court judges. I loved this video, great inspiration for me. Show.🥰🥰🥰

[@VortexMendoza]

Answer the question