PETER BURNS MOOT, WESTERN CANADA MOOT, SOPINKA CUP MOOT

The Peter Burns Competition is a trial, rather than an appeal, moot. It takes place on a Friday in November. Eight students compete, pairing up to act as counsel in a mock trial. Two practicing lawyers and a judge coach each pair of students during practice sessions held on one evening a week in the Hornby Street courthouse downtown. On the day of the competition, two mock trials are held—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Students who participate in this competition take Trial Advocacy in the fall term, and should take Evidence as well. Participation in this competition is worth 2 credits.

The two winning students receive the Peter Burns trophy and go on to represent UBC in the Western Canada Moot Competition (the MacIntyre Cup) usually held in February. The first and second place teams at the Western Canada Moot then compete in the National Trial Moot Competition (the Sopinka Cup), held in Ottawa in early March. These students receive 2 further credits. In 2008-09, the faculty co-ordinator was Professor Christine Boyle.