“Mr. Chief Justice, and may it please the court.” 

Every year, Moot Court speeches begin with this statement. 

Led by senior club head Wynne Conger ‘23, Moot Court members (affectionately known as “mooters”) discuss the constitutionality of Supreme Court cases about affirmative action, concealed-carry licenses, and more. 

Along with their teacher, Dr. Biss, these student-attorneys simulate Supreme Court cases as either the petitioner or defendant and attend the Harlan Institute Virtual Supreme Court Competition and The Princeton Moot Court Competition. The rigorous competitions test each student’s understanding of the case, ability to think on the spot, and to deliver a convincing argument. 

Conger, a four-year dedicated mooter, makes the club fun and productive. Conger and her partner Lighthouse Wu ‘24 competed in the semifinals at The Harlan Institute Competition on March 3. Below, Conger reflects on her favorite aspects of the club and the benefits of competition. 

When did you start Moot Court? 

I started [in] ninth grade. I did some debate programs in seventh and eighth grade and was already interested in argumentation and law; naturally, I gravitated towards it. Soon, I fell in love with the heads and the competition style— and four years later, here we are. 

What do you love about the club? 

I’ll mention two things since I can’t choose just one. I would say the community. Though not a big one, Moot Court fosters a passionate and dedicated group. Especially near the competition, we form a mutual community of research and support where we spend hours pouring over briefs and the nuances of the case. We also give each other feedback and help, which makes this club something special. The competition experience is also great because I finally get to put all my work to the test. 

What keeps you motivated to spend so many hours researching and practicing? 

Moot Court does require time and dedication, but it’s worth it… I love delving into every aspect of the case and understanding all of the interpretations and implications. There’s a thrill in finding new perspectives and counterarguments. You can spend infinite hours researching Supreme Court cases, reading past precedents, learning legal principles, and studying the rich history. There’s always something to learn and that’s incredibly exciting to me. 

One of my favorite cases to debate thus far has been New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen. It’s a complex case about the concealed-carry gun license and whether or not it violates the Second Amendment.

What are some skills you’ve learned from this club?  

I’ve learned some essential skills—analyzing, researching, arguing, and teaching—over the last four years. I also gained so much knowledge on American politics and the Constitution and an overall understanding of the legal system. It also gave me an in-depth understanding of history and politics, making me a better critical thinker. 

Is there anything you would like to say to someone who is interested in joining?

Moot Court is a big commitment, and it may seem intimidating, but the experience is so invaluable, and I sincerely recommend it to anyone!