Journalist: Lucy Wentz (ORU)
Kylie Hood chose moot court for one reason: she loves the Constitution.
Hood said with a bubbly smile, “I really do love the Constitution. My favorite part of moot is getting to nitpick an important issue from both sides. It’s confirmed for me that I want to be an attorney.”
Hood has competed in moot court four times and now serves as an assistant moot coach. Her favorite topic this year is Issue 1, which asks whether the right to contraception is protected under the right to privacy. Although the debate takes place in a theoretical state, it has significantly strengthened Hood’s real-world skills.
“It’s interesting to look through precedent on the constitutional idea rather than applying it to Miranda Vaughn,” Hood said. “I have a much deeper understanding of case knowledge, and I can now respond even when being interrupted during public speaking.”
Her favorite case in American history is Smith v. Maryland, a Fourth Amendment case involving aerial surveillance. Police used a helicopter to fly over a man’s yard to check for marijuana, a search the Court ruled legal because of the public airspace above the home. Hood loves this case because it shows that even within the boundaries of the law, understanding it allows people to come up with creative solutions. “It’s just funny to me!” she laughed.
Hood’s fascination with the law is certainly inspiring, but it is also contagious. As an assistant Moot Court coach, she is able to recommend it to anyone considering O.I.L.
“Moot is the competition most applicable to a future career,” she said when asked about its value in education. “It’s trained my mind to be a better logical thinker and confirmed my love for the law. The months of research on constitutional knowledge will be so practical for law school.
Hood finds ways to express herself in and outside of the conference. A unique talent she is proud of is her ability to do the splits, and “All Too Well,” her top favorite Taylor Swift song, is sure to resonate with other fans. For anyone intrigued by her wide range of interests, Hood shares that “buying me my favorite coffee order would earn you a friend forever.”
That’s a latte with vanilla and caramel, light ice… You know what to do.
During Session, you may come across Hood locking down and gathering case information. But she is also a friendly face in a room teaming with political discourse. All around, Kylie Hood is an excellent example of how to balance hard work and commitment with joy and entertainment within her field of study.