Robert Gordon University law students win Granite City Moot

The RGU team were named the 2016 Granite City Moot champions after pitting their wits against Martyn Ross and Anna Black from Aberdeen University in a lively and hard-fought legal debate before Sheriff Alison Stirling, academics and fellow students at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

Mooting allows students to demonstrate both their legal knowledge and debating skills in arguing a fictitious case based on a genuine legal problem while adhering to the protocols of a real court.

This year, the scenario involved a prosecution appeal in relation to “Gavin Greedy” who had been convicted at Balbair Sheriff Court of embezzling money from his employer, Betty’s Bakeries.

The appeal turned upon police officer evidence under Section 259 of theCriminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 and whether the Crown had proved the accused appropriated the money dishonestly for an embezzlement conviction. It was claimed that the accused’s human rights under article 6 had been breached with evidence being admitted unfairly.

Val Bremner, moot coordinator and a law lecturer at RGU, said: “We were absolutely delighted to win this year’s Granite City Moot. Georgia and Lauren are highly motivated students who worked exceptionally hard on their legal arguments for the competition.

“This event is a great opportunity for students to test their skills in a courtroom setting, in front of a real Sheriff and members of the local law community. Public speaking skills and confidence only come with practice and moots are a great way to do this, showing students how their academic knowledge can be applied in practice.”

Malcolm Mackay, a partner in the insurance & risk team of Brodies LLP, presented the winning team with their prize.