City University London triumph at OUP BPP Moot 2015

Congratulations to City University’s Charlotte Bellamy and Raphael Gray, who gave an exceptionally polished and professional performance and won the Oxford University Press (OUP) and BPP National Mooting Competition 2014-2015 on 25 June 2015.

His Honour Judge Charles Gratwicke of Chelmsford Crown Court presided over the final and praised the hard work and depth of knowledge the students demonstrated. Indeed, it was the the closest final in years.

The fictitious moot problem was a criminal division appeal, focussing on an incidence of religious circumcision which led to a conviction for actual bodily harm for the priest who performed the procedure. The topical exercise enabled all the finalists to shine as advocates, and all the moot problems for this year’s competition were written by Rory Clarke and Ros Earis. (Rory was part of the winning City University London team from 2010-2011.)

OUP BPP Moot

Attendees mingle at the drinks reception

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Queen’s University Belfast finalists Sasha Conlon and Elspeth Venn talk over some last-minute notes.

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The OUP & BPP National Mooting Competition 2014/2015 winner’s trophy.

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The OUP & BPP National Mooting Competition 2014/2015 programme.

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His Honour Judge Charles Gratwicke presided over the final once again.

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Raphael Gray of City University London is all smiles upon being announced as the winning team.

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Charlotte Bellamy and Raphael Gray: The OUP & BPP National Mooting Competition 2014/2015 champions.

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Charlotte Bellamy and Raphael Gray with Judge Gratwicke and their winner’s trophies.

OUP BPP Moot

Elspeth Venn and Sasha Conlon of Queen’s University Belfast finished as runner’s up.

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The finalists of the OUP & BPP Mooting Competition 2014/2015 with Judge Gratwicke

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Senior counsel from City University London, Charlotte Bellamy, awaits the result.

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Supporters share a laugh at the post-mooting reception.

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Discussion of the final continues over drinks.

Finalists included Charlotte Bellamy and Raphael from City University; Gray Peter Savory and Joseph Thomas from the Open University; David Rose and Chyi Sean Chung from the University of Greenwich; and Sasha Conlon and Elspeth Venn from Queen’s University Belfast.

Charlotte Bellamy and Raphael Gray received a certificate, trophy, and £750 each. Elspeth Venn and Sasha Conlon, both first year students, finished second and share £700 between them. The other finalists received £150 of OUP books each. Of course the competitors didn’t do this alone — the judges, clerks, and mooting coordinators helped them on their way.

All images courtesy of Oxford University Press.

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