Ames Moot Court Competition 2015

The case Abrams v. Vita, Inc. was argued on November 16, 2016, at the Ames Moot Court competition. The presiding judges were Hon. Elena Kagan ’86, Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court; Hon. Debra Ann Livingston ’84, U.S. Court of Appeals for The Second Circuit; Hon. Robert L. Wilkins ’89, U.S. Court of Appeals for The District of Columbia Circuit.
The Ames Competition, held in the historic Ames Courtroom of Harvard Law School, is one of the most prestigious competitions for appellate brief writing and advocacy in the country. The students participating in the Final Round started the competition in fall of their 2L year. Two teams progressed to the Final Round through their strong research abilities and excellent written and oral advocacy.
To view the history of the Ames Moot Court Competition, including decades of videos and info on past competitions, go to : hls.harvard.edu/ames-moot-court/

[@chanwooho4481]

They can talk better than I can write an essay.

[@futurekillerful]

What amazes me is the fact that these speakers don't seem to be referencing notes or anything at all. Amazing

[@pesto12601]

This is all they have been doing to an entire year... memorizing, practicing, etc... also, they are pretty damn smart!

[@davidiampguy1354]

Left my phone on my bed and mistakenly forgot to pause the video...went out to party, slept over at a friend's, came back home the next day and they were still arguing about the meaning of "other"

[@Rn-gz5in]

Da Vidiamp Guy 💀💀💀

[@jokerabhilasha]

Best comment lol

[@Subliminalmessage78]

😅

[@abubakar31]

how come I understand each english word but not the sentences

[@kylehofmeister2109]

+Mithilesh Kuncham try reading a case by learned hand or cardozo

[@Cinchan]

me2. omg ;v;

[@imhere3453]

The first girl seems to be spouting off regulation over and over, but when it comes to answering the judge's questions, she makes a difficult task much harder by not diluting the material to its most inherent characteristics. The job of the judge is to make an opinion, not understand the argument the lawyer is supposed to make clear in order to win the case. She keeps repeating herself because she can't make anything clear and she can't figure out when to say something to make it most effective. Don't get me wrong, obviously HLS made their decision and she an extremely smart cookie but this may be her most glaring weakness.

[@nikitahoward711]

all she was saying was this is different from the ADA

[@arsensaakyan2821]

nikita howard help me understand "ADA"

[@JasonB95]

I am floored by the level of skill these advocates demonstrated. Their intelligence, wit and overall demeanor were so incredible and inspiring. They really do have great futures ahead of them.

[@randyt700]

yeah its most impressive but we as a society should hope that they'll be using their legal reasoning and expertise out there in the real world with the integrity, humanity, and compassion to match. we watch this video and witness the level of intellect, analysis, and rigor and can't help but wonder, how the hell did our political and legal system allow us to have the current president we have? is our system flawed/broken? is all this in vain? is this the fall of rome? are we doomed to self-destruct? my theory is that while a lot of these young legal minds exercise and shape their idealism in school, when they go out into practice, i suspect some or even most of them succumb to the lure of more lucrative cases/practices. i wouldn't be surprised if the lot of them end up doing corporate law and fighting for fortune 500 corporations instead of arguing for an immigrant child and i wouldn't blame them. heck, it may not even be for financial reasons but that its just a less stressful type of law. the pressures of daily life makes it so easy to just not fight the good fight and settle or give in to our deep seeded selfishness until it becomes all too easy and habitual. and that's not just law. its common in health care where a lot of health care professionals spent so much time studying at university and come out with an ideal vision of how health care is and should be but when they looked more closely at their student loans and how real life practice isn't the evidence based medicine they were taught and that fighting the system is an uphill battle, thats when the state of health care becomes less surprising. we see the greed seep in all these professions and industries, or rather the collective self-interest that effectively looks like corporate greed, and we arrive at the conclusion that all the intelligence in the world means nothing if there's no consideration for your fellow human being. but i guess that conclusion depends on your personal philosophy or sense of altruism and thats a whole different rant i could get into. sorry, end rant.

[@easterlee2143]

@@randyt700 Thank you for writing this comment. But however I see hope in the future, it is understandable that we are undergoing an unprecedented situation and many people are struggling, working their best to put this scattered society back together, pieces by pieces. I know that there is a lot of chaos right now but I am trying my best to focus on the things that I can manage and I hope that you can find a way to put your thoughts into action as well. Wish you all the best.

[@israelhernandez-sg8mt]

@@randyt700 Congratulation you just wrote the TRUTH of the century.THERE IS MORE HUMANITY IN MY DOG THAN MOST HUMANS OF INTELECT. MAY GOD BLESS U.S.ALL✌️💙🙏✡️✝️🇺🇸🗽🇺🇸🗽

[@americancitizen748]

What I learned from this is that if you ever become a lawyer you should definitely avoid using the word "other".

[@jibspopmylonliness4333]

yeah 😂😂 and an additional other

[@darrellalder]

Lol

[@johnosandra]

Does anyone else go through law school thinking, I envy those chefs and gardeners lol. The longer I study law the more I crave simplicity.

[@umzz17]

yes

[@umzz17]

hell id even take barber

[@ndyebojongwana2594]

You have no idea! There are days when I feel like serving water at a restaurant.

[@johnosandra]

Haha trust me buddy, I also get those feelings. We all do it for a higher purpose I like to think, much more than just money. Why put up with the stress if you just want money?

[@Habopolis]

Nothing simple about gardening or being a chef if you're doing it properly

[@ducis3446]

And I thought Moot Court in high school is stressful. I could never muster enough courage to argue a 10 minute case in front of such distinguished judges.

[@raymundlouiejosephlj7167]

This is why you prepare beforehand. We fear that we do not know or understand.

[@iceydaywalker9198]

*the mother of all sign language interpreting gigs...*

[@yoni5570]

Ryan Bergen was so happy to see that

[@liquidpersuasion]

hand arthritis incoming

[@xximpacts2cks]

The deaf people in the room had to be confused when they started talking about Wendy's and McDonald's hamburgers lol.

[@itsyourfavoriteivorian_gir8771]

I am just fascinated with the fluidity of their speech. I speak French, but I can understand the debate without the subtitle.

[@the1onlynoob]

As a mooter, when you speak in front of a judge and various senior counsels in the finals is one of the most intimidating things I have experienced. Public speaking is not nearly as harsh because you normally prepare material to at least entertain. But there sits a person or persons who knew so much more about law than you probably ever will and you not only have to be confident about your argument and legal principles but also persuade the judge. It’s even worse when you have a legal issue that asks you to argue on a policy grounds or vague concepts of ‘nature justice’ and have to go against precedents.

[@saurabh7402]

i got nervous by watching this. RIP

[@mentaleruptionsinc.4686]

It's amazing how well versed they are in the knowledge of the law. Also impressive how they are confident enough to stand their ground in front of judges.

[@billelliott4217]

I would be scared shi_less to do this! Getting verbally torn apart in front of a large crowd by legal scholar judges is not my idea of a good time.

[@LarryNathanielPhoto]

Bill Elliott But imagine how well this would prepare you to make winning arguments in less distinguished settings.

[@elizabethjones2084]

Also, these judges already went to law school. They don't need you to educate them on the law. They need you to show REASON. The test isn't law knowledge and vocabulary. It's a test to see if you can win a case with reason, interpretation of the law, and evidence.

[@mem688]

Reason is the most important than knowledge and Vocabulary for a judge

[@johnosandra]

I think I could watch this every night for a year and benefit each night, the turn of phrase is outstanding.

[@donizekor2215]

25:37 Her rebuttal to this example... wow! Definitely my favorite part!

[@pawsitivenooz]

The first girl is extremely clear and articulate. Second girl clears up what you often see in legal contracts 'and or'

[@pm1079]

First woman was very well spoken and articulate... she'll make a great lawyer.

[@futurekillerful]

The GMM lol tbh with her articulate is an understatement wouldn't be surprised if she even just straight up talks like that on abnormal basis

[@LarryNathanielPhoto]

Dumbbells Only normal*

[@LarryNathanielPhoto]

Most people at Yale and Harvard Moot Courts are very articulate.

[@umarbaba9579]

The GMM hccrhryddv Jt

[@danielibarrondo3697]

Nice that she can talk that way, but her points weren't the best.

[@walterflores2948]

this is really interesting, i'm a prosecutor in my country by the way. these students are very good

[@user-py6zb3xj9u]

The second girl really held on really wellll to her position ! Incredible reasoning and argumentation I'm fascinated

[@irshviralvideo]

she made partner at 28 years old. owns her own law firm, worth over100M now

[@osmopolito]

@@irshviralvideo what???

[@Neon-Geco]

well here name IS lawson, isntit @@irshviralvideo

[@angelamccarthy4731]

@@irshviralvideo , what is her name now?

[@irshviralvideo]

@@angelamccarthy4731 Jennifer mooley

[@Abby-je6nj]

Okay as someone with CRIPPLING anxiety and also very few brain cells, simply just watching this nearly sent me into a panic attack. I could not imagine ever doing this. Wow. Loads of respect and admiration for these people, because I truly could never 😂

[@bradyblake6573]

Man these oralists must be nervous af

[@lipro511]

I want to go to Harvard Law! This is so inspiring

[@aishasheefa32]

I guess I will never be able to become a good mooter :/ the way of talking shows how much confident they are . Amazing.

[@theshunnedBandersnatch]

It takes lots of practice and many hours of hard work, but you can get there! It'll be worth it in the end :-)

[@afiabambaikar5445]

@@theshunnedBandersnatch exactly. It may seem difficult at the beginning but after a while you feel confident with such an activity of public speaking or debate.

[@Rn-gz5in]

Lots of talented young people, great job everyone! 👏

[@Sarah-rf5rj]

You can definitely tell the distinction between the judges and the oralist. Judges can explain something with the simplest terms and easy to understand scenarios while oralists tend to over complicate with terms that not all can certainly understand

[@johnosandra]

No - that's a product of the top-down dynamics. It's much easier to ask questions, create ambiguity and dissect an argument than positively advance an argument in such pressing circumstances. The oralist's individual performance affects their pay, debt, time and family - everything - in a tangible and appreciable fashion.

[@johnosandra]

Essentially, all the judges have really done here is read the brief and think of a few high-level questions. Kagan is the exception whereby she has a few hypotheticals she has thought of. You know what school Kagan went to, Scalia school.

[@jmatrixrenegade1971]

The fact an advocate appears to be pregnant is a nice touch.

[@arthurs7882]

+jmatrixrenegade1971 she seems very qualified--but do you think that was a move of tact--that that would curry favor in some capacity?

[@jmatrixrenegade1971]

I wouldn't be surprised if the organizers were influenced by her condition when choosing her if there needed to be a tie breaker among leading options to take part.

[@Catzzzzz]

No, she just happened to be pregnant.

[@arthurs7882]

My mom was pregnant in Med school

[@milly4543]

D Frs why not? It's not like there's a rule about not being pregnant while at uni.

[@Mike-lq4qu]

If I did this. The case would end in 10 seconds... *Meaning that I would be so terrible that there isn’t a case after 10 seconds*

[@ashleyk3328]

Lol we got it

[@abdulrahmandumbuya2597]

This is exceedingly fascinating! I live in a country where students would go to law school without ever witnessing live proceedings.

[@nslylee2254]

I am an undergraduate student studying graphics design but why do I find this so interesting 🙃

[@cryptohalloffame]

because you have a brain?

[@nslylee2254]

DSAS thanks captain obvious!

[@LarryNathanielPhoto]

Change your major: US History, Political Science, or English Literature. Maintain a high GPA and score high on the LSAT.

[@danielaalarcon2463]

Nsly lee same

[@rajanarayanamali2252]

Because Law commands you to learn law .xD

[@historyprofessor1985]

To understand the arguments, it is essential to know the case and understand the context!!!

[@jakyungrhee2180]

These girls can enunciate their words. They speak with special accent.

[@edwinfcapidos]

So clear. I wish all Americans speak like them.

[@MoroccanNationalDebateTeam]

This is just great!! very talented Law students, thanks for sharing!

[@kcee4174]

I want to take up law and now im scared

[@wonderwallflower]

Once you start you’ll get the hang of it. I’m in my second year, and law is not as difficult as people make it out to be; as long as you stay on top of the workload (which is A LOT of reading)

[@TheRealDyscyples]

Don’t worry it’s easy

[@evaespinoza576]

TheRealDyscyples lmao thank u for saying that this video mad me so nervoussss!

[@noronorono]

You get to read a lot, learn a lot, write a lot but this work will pay off if you're curious and motivated trust me do not feel less good by watching this video but make it your goal

[@isaacng2500]

Lol easy my ass

[@KD-sz1sn]

7:38 wow that must be difficult to sign all of this fast speech! (the person in the back top right) kudos!

[@how.disability.justice]

Please post more debates! I love this :D

[@victoronyango7787]

This great,it gives insight guidelines to those taking law

[@markrayban2050]

It's like maneuvering in a TopGun movie but through words. Amazing

[@voicification]

Are all the cases written by Tejinder Singh? Seems like he has authored all the cases used in moot court over the past several years. Saw him debate in 2007 as well. What a rockstar!

[@andrewwilliams9633]

Drinking game: Down a shot every time they say 'cases'.

[@zaicolainen]

love you man!

[@annediana1981]

This video is interesting and opened my knowledge about how Harvard Law School has so many good lawyers. I really wish that I can get into Harvard Law School. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@christopherarreola9066]

The second orator is by far my favorite out most of the Ames moot court competitions I have seen, she really impressed me with her argument. It has been the most intricate and dense one I've heard. I'm not too sure if her group won at the end, but good job. Argument uses a lot of logic reminiscent of how I discuss Mathematical arguments(proofs) in advanced math courses.

[@christopherarreola9066]

Very impressed by every student that I've seen from this school so far, albeit I dislike how this school only seeks out justices from the top of the heap, and most well known. It'd be nice if they randomized the judges a bit so that it's not always based on "merit." I'm sure plenty of these students will land in the hands of justices from all levels of the judicial system once they go out into the field.

[@esol927]

@@christopherarreola9066 It's a bit of a prestige thing, but also a bit of a treat for the finalists. Getting to argue in front of a Supreme Court Justice as a law student is a *huge* deal, and something these finalists will remember for the rest of their lives.

[@chessthecat]

intricate and dense is the problem. Gerry Spence is one of the greatest lawyers who ever lived and he'd be CRINGING at this. EDIT. But I suppose a trial lawyer convincing a jury is a lot different from what this is.

[@memopundits1953]

Very inspiring! Great performance

[@zainchang9246]

GOOD CONFIDENCE TO GIVING ANSWERS

[@9290SC]

How long do they prepare for this? Months? Weeks? thanks

[@emmaluftie7688]

this is superb !!!

[@roxannepedlar7763]

Absolutely the Cost-to-Benefit Analysis is important to the qualification for a new job like this.😊

[@defiverr4697]

Finally get to see what Justice Kagan sounds like in a Court setting. SCOTUS should open up to video broadcasting. There have been some recent arguments that it's best not to broadcast the arguments before them, but in this age, they need to reconsider.

[@vikramvalame9990]

DE Fiverr you can lositen, look up a cases oral arguments

[@arsensaakyan2821]

Thank you so much.Your information is very helpfull.

[@hannahpuelle2748]

High School Moot Court kid here, and I can only hope to be as good as them one day.

[@aabatenmahmood126]

It is very pleasing and enjoyable.

[@sweetarchangelado6578]

The girls work glasses is great!!!

[@troybernal5085]

im an accounting major and find law very interesting. God Damn these second thoughts

[@leleyley7932]

i finished my BS in accounting years ago...am always interested in law...never pursue it though.. In the final year of my studies, i stumbled upon John Grisham Novel The Firm...became my favourite author..been hooked ever since..now self employed working in a bake shop and doing woodworking as a side business..well

[@roxannepedlar7763]

The Most Qualified Person standard must include the following calculations of how much it would cost the Company to become more competitive with other firms in their respective fields.

[@lebom899]

Why do I find this so interesting

[@reprisler]

this is fascinating. can't wait to get through the LSAT and start law school. also, the girl in the lower left corner is gorgeous :O

[@onmichonramrar3788]

Who else saw the sign language interpreter behind?

[@marcwyant1217]

Really interesting video

[@aldrenmtenajora]

This is the reason why I don’t go to law school! Can’t even answer a simple questions like Who are you, describe yourself, etc. what more about hard complex questions to be thrown at you! I’ll be standing there infront dying inside! Hahahahaha

[@ImWristt]

Ali Bata actually she already knows the answer. She prepared her case and know everything about it. Yes it is stressfull, but she it's very doable.

[@dishadharmraj6986]

@@ImWristt I agree with you in a la student as well and we do orals multiple before we go to the actual moot in front of teachers and seniors and we always prepare every single questions possible for both respondent and petitioner

[@sumone6213]

Legend has it that the other team won

[@thebigmalkowski]

I successfully argued on behalf of the plaintiff in the landmark case of Acme Inc. v. Bugs Bunny.

[@Sarah-rf5rj]

This makes my heart beat faster

[@alisonhrivnak3466]

I'm a freshmen in high school who's considering law - any advise? What are you doing with the extra time the pandemic is giving? Or do you not have time because you're a law student lol?

[@jacobthompson6265]

One more year and I will be applying to law school.

[@wuyijie9490]

They all speak very fluently!

[@wafahozien382]

Thanks!

[@aabatenmahmood126]

It is just amazing to me because l love it.

[@i0073]

How do you talk at that level under pressure and probably a lot of stress and in front of so many people? I shut down talking in public.

[@user-py6zb3xj9u]

You need to know what you're gonna talk about. If you have well researched your subject you won't even think about other people and will be so focused on the problem in itself. They have confidence partially and essentially because they have well researched what they're talking about. If you can't prepare what you're gonna say in front of people, you have to sort of shut down and eliminate all the distractions, focus on the problem you're dealing with. Either way, Focus is key. But then again, this is just my opinion! Good luck!

[@yveshoe9412]

@@user-py6zb3xj9u idk man even if i were to prepare excellent resources/materials, i would still struggle to do this well 😩 its just my fear of public speaking i guess

[@alejandrojuarez-rea4899]

I’m watching this to avoid all of my computer science homework

[@roxannepedlar7763]

The provision of Physician Supervision under the Controlled Substances Act would give access to the use of medical drugs for the purpose of relieving chronic diseases and preventing painful symptoms.😮

[@masumayaseenkhanmasumajan1005]

Good speech I want To go hervard

[@arsensaakyan2821]

Very good leson.

[@lalitkasana7474]

congratulation

[@elizabethjones2084]

I'm six minutes in and already disagree with her opening statement. Being disabled doesn't let you leapfrog more qualified people, but what the ADA does guarantee is that you won't be excluded from a position based on a disability unless the accommodations pose an undue burden on the employer. I would say, no that a company should not be made to show any preferential treatment to a disabled job candidate but it does guarantee that if an employer finds you the best candidate for the job with the exception of your disability, you can't be disqualified because of your disability, nor asked to meet all the same standards as the other employees when interfering with disability, or given any sanctions for treatments and accommodations previously disclosed to the employer in direct relation to your disability. The reason employers can't be made to show any preferential treatment to someone who is disabled is because the majority of employers are private employers. The minority being our government. You can't make a law that applies to all using criteria meant for exceptions from the majority. We have a civil court system in place so that individuals can hash out things on case by case basis when the issue does arise. You have to be careful to interpret the law in a way that offers the most freedom to the people, whether they be disabled candidates or private employers.

[@vikramvalame9990]

That sounds like an excellent argument for amending the ADA

[@SuperBigshot99]

Their level to concentrate. After listening for 2 seconds my ADHD acts up.

[@roxannepedlar7763]

The terms of the Conrtolled Substance Act would define the kinds of drugs that would be allowed under the ‘CSA’😮.

[@americancitizen748]

At 1:05 the gal described exactly what is happening today where states are illegally overriding federal drug laws -- something the U.S. Constitution specifically prohibits under the Supremacy Clause.

[@ConfusedBuffoon]

this woman is fire

[@roxannepedlar7763]

The standards or criteria by which the potential employees are qualified for the position should be the same as those required for the normal position.😊

[@stephanieu5817]

Everyone speaking reminds me of people in a Model United Nations conference 😂😭

[@nenamishra5091]

I still can't take to what the man behind the team members is doing ?? the one who is constantly making moves ??

[@johndesteno6461]

Okay I just committed to becoming a 1L in the Fall...I know this is Harvard but wtf did I get myself into lol

[@unacriticaconstrutiva169]

Excellent ..

[@abbibrophy7671]

wow talk about getting hammered and put on the spot

[@kelvinwilliams3230]

I just love anything to do with criminal law, justice....

[@dulcechavez9736]

Not the same as human rights, and these is a human rights case

[@norname7704]

First lady is pregnant ? oh child, ur mom is going to talk abt this forever.. but im proud of u lady

[@milly4543]

What is up with people being shocked there's a pregnant woman? lol It's not like it's unusual to be pregnant in your twenties.

[@norname7704]

@@milly4543 Not shocked but proud of her.. im really proud of her

[@ambergooden1737]

So...I watched this video again, and I noticed that there's someone doing ASL in the background! He/She has brown hair, and all you see is hair.

[@DenizBadeAkkoyun]

AMBER GOODEN yeah!

[@jpcorinthians2009]

Amazing!

[@marioescalante4401]

Justice Kagan made one tough Chief Justice in this competition.

[@ambergooden1737]

The fact that I see several women here is cool.

[@graham6132]

statistically speaking you should expect to see at least 50% women...

[@davidkflick]

including a current supreme court justice - yes, very cool.

[@mikehascats26]

amber, thats because you are sexist

[@harlequill9495]

Mike Hascats Damn, I'm a month too late. 😞

[@themisvespucci9894]

I dont. I think its normal

[@vishnupriya2342]

Im a law student in india...moot court is really good for law students...👌

[@voiceofbdlaw1978]

Right

[@priya3167]

Where is harvey?

[@DuyKhanh-oc7br]

can admin put subtitles for this video?

[@DenizBadeAkkoyun]

Khanh Lê +1

[@mikaelancholy]

+1

[@pubalilawacademy3544]

I'm from India...I'm a law student...thank you for this video

[@psy8917]

I am peparing for CLAT 2020 :)

[@americancitizen748]

"The number of students who say they have used marijuana in the past 12 months jumped from 30 percent in 2006 to 38 percent in 2015." Does that mean 38 percent of college students were disabled in 2015?

[@rovelynenclona8132]

I'm now taking up BS Psychology but i've this thing interested.. justt asking myself now if i can proceed law after my undergraduate finish .

[@jessicawiseman]

Rovelyn Enclona I’m definitely going to law school and My mother and I both concur that a criminal justice degree is critical for Law but I want a Psychology degree very badly😩

[@milly4543]

@@jessicawiseman A criminal justice degree is not critical for law (don't know where you got this idea from), go ahead and study Psych!

[@avnichadha9891]

There is no particular undergrad degree that law schools need. You can study psychology...Many people at law school have diverse majors

[@delpilarpoli937]

Mr singh’s case study just wow

[@TheFuzzen]

I'm baffled by the amount of dialogue between the council and the judges. Is this representable for the normal court as well in the US? Norwegian law-student asking :)

[@Kunizuka]

+Fuzzen F I don't think so, I found this inquisitorial system quite strange and very neat. Perhaps this is only found in their Supreme Court trials.

[@TheFuzzen]

+Rep. Paul (D-NJ) That might be. I was considering that it also might be for educational purposes, but this is the final round after all. It should represent a real trial. However at the end of the day, school is school after all ;)

[@jmatrixrenegade1971]

+Fuzzen F There is often a lot of back and forth between advocates and justices when cases are argued in front of the United States Supreme Court. Justice Kagan there does often ask long questions as does various other justices such as Justice Breyer. It is known colloquially known as a "hot bench." The context here is educational, so that sort of thing is somewhat exaggerated, but it is not totally fictional at all.

[@Kunizuka]

Ah, did not know that - very interesting!

[@TheFuzzen]

+jmatrixrenegade1971 Very enlightening, and a big thanks for your answer. I think it serves the case well to have this level of conversation between the judges and the advocates. I do feel like the judge is somewhat leading the advocate a great deal more than necessary. I guess this extension serves to make the moot court more educational. Very interesting stuff, and especially so in a comparative point of view between the US and Norway.

[@americancitizen748]

Is the second woman arguing that states can ignore federal drug laws? Pot is still illegal in all 50 states under federal law. The fact that a state says it's legal does not change that.

[@elizabethjones2084]

Only matters with regards to the court you're in. State court, its legal. Federal court, its illegal. That's why Federal employees can't do things that aren't federally legal.

[@morganl4445]

Whoo! You go gir!!