Premed students practice on dead people. Prelaw students practice on dead cases. But while there is no such thing as moot surgery, at Chico State University there is the Moot Court Competition, where aspiring lawyers compete in a mock appellate court in front of a panel of local judges, practicing lawyers, and “Jaw observers.” Recently a field of 32 student teams was narrowed down in daily rounds to two teams who argued cases recently in Chico City Council Chambers before a panel of judges.

Miss Harjit Gosal, daughter of Piara Singh Gosal and Kulwant Kaur Gosal of Live Oak, put on an excellent and very professional performance in the Chico City Council Chambers. As the 1996 Moot Court Competition winner at California State University, Chico, she was recognized for her ability to think rationally and confidently, yet quickly in order to satisfy all the judges inquires and for he fine speaking abilities.

There was a panel of three judges42 community lawyers and judges participated this year. They sit skeptical of the student’s every argument, showing little hint of agreement, while laying legal minefields for contestants with pointed questioning. Students had to prepare for both sides of the case since they were told only the night before if they would be arguing the appellate and respondent’s side. “Every night of the competition was brutal,” said Gosal, who seemed as relieved to be finished as excited to have won. “The judges totally tried to intimidate us, especially the last day of the competition because the audience was so large,”

Harjit, a senior at Chico State, is currently completing a Prelaw and International Relations major along with her Paralegal Certificate. She is also a member of the National Model United Nations delegation from Chico State. She is currently the Administrative Director of the team and this will be her third year competing at the National Headquarters of the United Nations in New York. Chico State was awarded the Honorable Mention Award (3rd place) out of over 180 Universities nationally and internationally. When asked whether goal is, she replied, “I’ll eventually complete Law School. Besides, life is limitless; my confidence and faith in God has always helped me to persevere.”

Article extracted from this publication >>  June 26, 1996