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.harva...
For full coverage of the competition, visit Harvard Law Today: hls.harvard.ed...

[@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

[@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

[@Sleepybear6032]

SUPREME COURT JUDGES FOR MOOT COURT COMPETITIONS! this is terrifying.

[@Ugh99]

To bring up Many more Supreme Court Judges who are better, more just and critical in their judgement

[@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

[@prettyclassyladyOG]

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. 😄

[@LaSombraa]

These people definitely aren’t idiots….

[@jonesy_5498]

@@prettyclassyladyOGtheir whole point I think is that they’re not idiots, and them interrupting is showcasing that because the students can think quickly on their feet, therefore demonstrating real court readiness and prowess not just rehearsal.

[@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!

[@reginayfavors]

Learning the law is a slow, thinking process. It is one of those things that when you read a case for the first time, you have to read it very slowly. Once you get the hang of it, then you can navigate between cases, etc.

[@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

[@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

[@haniyaya]

If I got interrupted after every sentence like that I'd probably lose my mind

[@anakinjmanu]

Especially when you are on a roll and then you have to backtrack or you lose your train of through so quickly.

[@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

[@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

[@reginayfavors]

I'm not a crybaby, but I might become one that day.

[@grapefruitsyrup8185]

Its actually very easy, their questions are also predictable. Theres nothing to be impressed.

[@davidwu0667]

Because you are weak

[@KenriqueMaling]

exactly! their confidence is commendable.

[@TessaBetke12]

This what I aspire to be. Im still in my undergraduate degree and Im taking a public speaking class in the fall and I'm tackling this class fangs and claws out, ambitious to get out of my shell so I can be a person like these people are!! I'm watching this as an inspiration to keep doing well to potentially get into Harvard Law. amazing work guys!

[@hydraulicfan3735]

You got this!! I'll be rooting for you in spirit!! 🫶

[@feersided]

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

[@meXmydreams]

1 minute is probably too ambitious

[@imam-_-]

​@@meXmydreamstrue. The judges put them on their backfoot immediately after their introduction.

[@insightjobwithmaryjey]

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

[@stellamariefanboy.6768]

@@Matt67012it’s always that one person who has a problem with everything

[@PraveenKumar-kj8rq]

Thank you ♥

[@edmund8411]

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

[@fakejohn928]

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

[@isaacjaimes6757]

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

[@Quasar-dp4nt]

😂😂😂

[@sexychicilicous]

😍🥰☺️

[@FlorenceDjana]

Been studying law for 3 years now and this is the first time I’ve ever watched a mooting competition. I’m already nervous and I just started the video!

[@zeroz88]

You a 3L?

[@moonstruck7621]

I will be mooting in 3 days I'm in grade 10

[@FlorenceDjana]

@@moonstruck7621 omg good luck!!! You’re gonna ace it!!

[@moonstruck7621]

@@FlorenceDjana thank youu❤ I hope I do...I will remember to tell you the results

[@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.

[@stellamariefanboy.6768]

I’m so glad I’m not the only one who doesn’t know what’s being said.

[@ram_bam]

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

[@TheNamesFarquaad]

Right!!!!!!

[@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.

[@mariemarie1834]

​@@KingOfThePirates101are you in law school now? Going to law school is too expensive.

[@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

[@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 😂😂

[@GreekLady188]

😂

[@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.

[@ABCurry30]

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

[@muhammadfarhanzahidabdilla3217]

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

[@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

[@JeremiahMendoza-u2x]

You are a great person to instruct to do and to get the right pursuit of justice ⚖️ thank you for your service

[@robioavion]

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

[@bluestsea]

I don’t know why it came up in my feed, but that goes to show you that KZbin pushes want it wants to who it wants.

[@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.

[@NapoleonBonaparte929]

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-bleach1256]

Life is hard , wear helmet

[@MB-gd6be]

Self - and self interests are the key words

[@lorenzorosales284]

@@user-bleach1256 agree, but what they said is true though.

[@landsgevaer]

Humans rational and logical. That is funny.

[@ReAhis]

first time observed this court, impressed and inspirational

[@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.

[@machutdhieu3308]

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

[@khadisignatureghana]

This is beautiful to watch. Very educational

[@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.

[@jamimahkoarima4734]

Preparation is key, it shows that teams have prepared well.

[@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?

[@KrysGrant-ey1xl]

I wanted to be a prosecutor and or a detective. 😢 I had so much promise just financially and mentally no support

[@DonYutuc]

@@KrysGrant-ey1xlKeep your hopes up, Krys! Life is sometimes full of surprises. As you think, you are.

[@takecareyourself12]

​@@Subliminalmessage78may you give me some recomendation supremacy of books law?

[@NYSkylark]

The teams are so good. Congrats to all.

[@tizamhango1114]

These students are brilliant.

[@tristangardner9103]

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

[@jdewitte100]

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

[@ajinkya5372]

👏👏👏👏 as a law student, this moot was great, full of knowledge, skilled & inspiring to me

[@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😁

[@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

[@fdfischer]

​@@genesisshollins9326 probably too causal

[@Susanviolet3322]

@@genesisshollins9326I think it’s more of a matter of respect . You speaking to well renowned judges so you shouldn’t have such a casual look with hands in pocket but I think he is doing it to calm his nerves since it is very scary being grilled

[@mhbdcox]

This is a great discussion.

[@klytus42]

Justice Liu is scrumptious. 😍

[@char3190]

I got anxiety watching this but I kept watching 😅

[@zoeg5451]

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

[@TruthTALKA]

It’s not just words, it’s civil procedure and if you learn it in law school you know exactly what to say. Plus you prepare

[@mamaobama7132]

Just cause you don't understand the words doesn't mean it's bullshit 😭

[@zainabiftikhar5633]

​​​@@mamaobama7132 I think they meant there way of talking is bad lol ( idk of that made sense x.x )

[@jothamdaledejesus2708]

I'm only a 1st year at law school looking to do moots in my second year. And God the grilling that the judges gave out was insane hahaha. Hope I cam do just as good as these guys.

[@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.

[@Grace_lr]

This is so intimidating

[@filmdorked]

Ahh my favorite video of the year is back

[@DigitalChaos671]

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

[@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.

[@jeremiahmendoza-u2h]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉i need a harvard law school to help me asap court sept 27 im also proud fir this service im part of you

[@muhammadaamir-official]

Up to the mark...

[@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 😮.

[@Blackhansdom]

this video is a history

[@shimronnetia]

...love this very educational

[@KrysGrant-ey1xl]

It's recommended to me to watch! Im watching. I feel accomplished and bright even if my IQ is lower than theirs🤣🤣🤣

[@Chauhanvinefanclub]

Hey can you please tell me during the when the denial represent the petitioner put their hand in pocket before the Hon’ble Court is this right or not in America because in India this type of act insulting of the Court

[@israilborih7815]

Beautiful

[@Watwatwat928]

Omg, l just graduated from middle, but l want to study for law from now on

[@camilopelaez5498]

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

[@roxannepedlar7763]

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

[@HumanIntelligence]

great involvement guys cheers for future

[@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.

[@Susanviolet3322]

@@jakobvogel6764and hopefully they use it for good like David suggests. It’d be a shame if he turned out to be another Josh Hawley

[@IzaacBwapapa]

Until I'm put subtitle on then I'm get this great discussion their English is very impressive and deep to understand..

[@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😂😮.

[@brentturno861]

Love it! ❤

[@AbuMohannadal-Sweidawi]

Awesome

[@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 😭

[@LexiNc8284]

lol wasn’t that 2019?? 😂

[@JeremiahMendoza-u2x]

I love this

[@mariamyaka6363]

Great

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

[@JeremiahMendoza-u2x]

Our group finds and helps to wit adverdts self

[@mohammadrumman8389]

Miss law

[@ellesher7990]

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

[@opufy]

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

[@kaydub7396]

Lol u funny

[@PsaLm-h3e]

Is beautiful educational law in this ❤❤

[@davidwu0667]

Monica wang is beautiful inside and outside , and she is the best student.

[@yuunyuun]

THIS WAS FUN TO WATCH!!

[@v4l3ntuna]

watching harvard moot courts give me another level of motivation

[@roxannepedlar7763]

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

[@hukunamutata]

Richard Dunn ate down

[@JeremiahMendoza-u2x]

I'm proud of you all

[@bartbuiring98]

So impressive

[@roxannepedlar7763]

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

[@roxannepedlar7763]

Subject jurisdiction is a matter for the district court, and that could rise to the next level of being a federal court issue.😮

[@tidesebbandflow]

Daniel Flesch being iconic for 17 minutes

[@JeremiahMendoza-u2x]

All vested and clauses have and must be a unitfy of same balance to structure law

[@cadnaanYaasin]

Appealing

[@AjaibHabibBushura]

I wish i study in Harvad University so contineu.

[@JeremiahMendoza-u2x]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉congratulations

[@lavenderxolemon]

I can’t wait to be a law student

[@deepankarchakraborty236]

Explanation: The Moot Court Competition at Harvard Law School was debating a fictional case involving the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and a company called Federici Contracting. This was all part of a practice exercise (moot court) for law students to sharpen their legal argument skills, not a real case. Here's a simple explanation of the key points: 1) OSHA made a new rule requiring construction companies with over 100 employees to hire a personal protective equipment coordinator. 2) Federici Contracting sued OSHA, saying they didn't have the authority to make this rule. 3) The main questions the students were debating were: a) When a court finds that an agency (like OSHA) has made a rule that goes beyond its authority, does the law require the court to cancel (vacate) that rule completely? b) If the law does require courts to cancel such rules, is this requirement constitutional? Does it give courts more power than they should have under the Constitution?

[@adiksadiatabs]

I'm sticking with HTGAWM

[@TOMCAT5.5149]

I order feterici pizza to remain open.

[@Erikcasas64]

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