Advocate of the Year Competition 2006

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Advocate of the Year Competition2006

• Arrive Early?
• Take a memo and a problem and sign in.

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Available on the websitewww.usfca.edu/org/mootco
urt

• Brief Template Instructions
• Meeting Memo
• This PowerPoint Presentation

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Agenda

• Introduction
• The Problem
• Important Dates
• The Brief Instructions Tips
• Oral Arguments Instructions Tips
• Final Notes
• Questions

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Introduction

• Moot Court Board 2006-2007
• Matt Peters Executive Director
• David Mesa, Advocacy Director
  davidmesa_at_gmail.com
• Jen Chung Managing Director
• Michelle Schuller Topics Director
• Joan Arbolante Topics Director

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The Problem - Facts

• Con Law Topic
• Appeal to the Supreme Court
• Eric Jensen, a black felon, is prevented from
  voting because of his felon status.
• Sues to permanently enjoin Governor from
  enforcing felon disenfranchisement statute based
  on a violation of the Voting Rights Act, 42
  U.S.C. 1973, which prohibits any state
  limitation on the right to vote that has a
  racially discriminatory result.

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The Problem Proc. Posture

• Governor files a 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss
  arguing 1973 is unconstitutional as applied to
  Zief's felon disenfranchisement statute because
  (1) it conflicts with Section 2 of the Fourteenth
  Amendment, and (2) it exceeds Congresss Section
  5 enforcement powers
• Motion Granted. Plaintiff appeals to the
  Fourteenth Circuit. Reversed. Governor appeals.
  Supremes grant cert.

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Important Dates

• Brief Drop Off
• Wednesday, Sept. 20th
• First Round of Oral Arguments
• Either Saturday, September 30th or Sunday,
  October 1st
• Quarterfinals and Semifinals
• Saturday, October 7th
• Final Round
• Friday, October 20th _at_ 600 p.m.

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The Brief

• You choose the side
• Format same as 1L Moot Court Program
• 16-20 pages (nothing after 20 will be read)
• Blue cover for petitioners / Red for Respondents
  (card stock)
• Name on cover page

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The Brief Turn In

• 3 Copies due Wednesday, September 20th
• You must turn it in and sign it in yourself
• 2 Drop-off Times 10 am12 pm and 530 pm630 pm
• Location Moot Court Office, Zief 2 (Lower Level
  next to TV lounge)
• LATE BRIEFS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!

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Oral Arguments
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Oral Arguments

• Rules for advancing will be posted on Moot Court
  Bulletin Board at Moot Court Office
• Oral Arguments follow same format as 1L Moot Court

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Some Final Notes

• Use Statement of the Case as a Starting Point
• Note the sole issue on appeal (footnote 2 of the
  problem)
• No cases after 9/1/06, but also note footnote 1
  of the problem

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Some Final Notes

• Good faith effort, but keep in mind
• Judges are USF Alumni. Theyre giving up a day
  of their weekend for a good show, so give it to
  them.
• They also might work for a firm youre
  interviewing with.
• Personal pride.

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Some Final Notes

• Work in Groups
• You may work with buddies, but you must write
  your own brief
• After turning in your brief, share them with
  someone from the other side
• Brainstorm potential questions with someone from
  the other side

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Some Final Notes

• Be prepared to argue both sides
• Practice
• Practice
• Then Practice Some More

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Finally Remember What Youre Getting Out of It

• Resume Builder
• Possible Writing Sample
• Oral Advocacy Experience
• Awards Given to Best Brief and Advocate of the
  Year
• - 500 Gift Certificates to BARBRI for Best
  Brief / Advocate of the Year award recipients
• Good times

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Ready, Set, Go.

• Be sure youve signed in before you leave
• Check bulletin board / website for changes,
  postings, updates
• Ill post questions and answers on the website
• Any questions? Stick around.