By Journalist Trevor Friesen (OSU).
Supreme Court Justices preparing for day two of the Moot competition, pictured (left to right): Sydney Adkins, Jacob Burger, Brandon Denney, Alyssa Cross, Caden Hayes, and Caleb Dorsten
With shut doors till the final competition, the O.I.L. Moot competition remains quite the disclosed mystery for those uninvolved for the large duration of session.
While competitors remain vocal and involved around the House of Representatives, the Supreme Court Justices themselves remain shadowy mysteries, cloaked in black satin, undisclosed of the competition’s happenings.
Supreme Court Justice Caden Hayes (OSU) explains the Moot process as follows: with obligations and honors of “writing the cases, deciding precedent cases, presenting questions, providing resources, hosting rounds of competition, and judging”.
The competition has 19 total competitors for the Spring 2023 session, with the first day of scored competition beginning today, March 31st.
With such an honorable and respected position, the newest Supreme Court Justice Caleb Dorsten (OSU) expressed his deep appreciation for being offered the position, equating his feelings of “pressure” in competition last session equal to that of his “excitement” serving as a justice now. When offered the position, Dorsten’s first thought was a simple “why not?”, “immediately saying yes” to the new future that awaited him.
The competition, unlike any other, features the utmost dedication, talent, and commitment from all those involved, but those in positions truly encapsulate all that Moot represents as a whole.
Competing alone in her delegation, Supreme Court Justice Sydney Adkins (OSU) uses her position and experience to bolster her future career as a prospective lawyer, specializing in the field of international contract law. Proud and thankful for her accolades, Adkins boasts her delegation pride, reminding everyone that “five of the six justices come from OSU”.
Pride and history aside, the justices have nothing by admiration and hopeful optimism towards the competitors. If not the real point of the position, those in positions of authority and judgement preside with an unmatched sense of respect, once standing in such nerverbending shoes not long ago.
“I think the quality of our competitors raises year after year” says Hayes, and further questioned, continued to reiterate his genuine sense of admiration and respect for the semesterly and daily improvements of all competitors.
A competition like no other, Moot serves as a stepping stone to bright futures ahead for all those involved. Excitement continues, and as those awaiting results look onward refreshing texts and easing nerves, it is important to take time to appreciate those who sit across the table.