Students from The Law School at Robert Gordon University (RGU) are celebrating their third successive win at the Granite City Mooting Competition.
Sponsored by Brodies LLP, the annual match between RGU and the University of Aberdeen took place at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, in front of Sheriff W Summers and academics and students from both universities.
Winning team Alex Rae and Justine Anderson from RGU saw off tough competition from Aberdeen University's Naomi Henderson and Hal Ledgerwood.
Mooting involves a problem scenario featuring a real legal problem based on fictitious circumstances.
Students have to research the legal aspect of the scenario and build an argument to persuade the judge why their client should win.
Mooting allows students to demonstrate their legal knowledge and presentation skills acquired during their law studies while adhering to the protocols of a real court.
This year's scenario involved a civil appeal on the issue of dispossession of borrowed property and whether the old Scottish remedy of spuilzie could be applied.
Malcolm Mackay, Aimee Godfrey and Sarah Polson from Brodies' Aberdeen office attended the Moot, with Malcolm presenting the prizes.
Malcolm said: "Mooting and debating are practical ways of developing and honing litigation skills required of a court lawyer. Brodies is fully supportive of training and regularly support activities like this at university and junior lawyer level.
"Both teams did very well and Sheriff Summers, who kindly gave up his Wednesday evening to judge the moot, said that this was a very closely-fought competition with little between RGU and Aberdeen. This was an unusual issue of spuilzie and the students tackled it with gusto. Previous case decisions, institutional writers, a Scottish Law Commission report and even university professors were cited, referred to and challenged in the moot.After reaching judgement, the Sheriff helpfully gave suggestions to the students (and lawyers attending) on how to present argument and refer to case authority in court.
"The preparation and quality of argument by the students meant it was an enjoyable night for participants and spectators alike. Brodies is delighted to sponsor this event for the eighth year running and we look forward to doing so again next year."
