Regent Law Hosts 21st Annual Leroy R. Hassell Sr. National Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition
The Regent University School of Law recently hosted the 21st Annual Leroy R. Hassell Sr. National Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition in a virtual format October 14-16, 2021. Thirty-eight teams from 25 law schools competed, with Stetson University College of Law taking home first place.
“This competition brings together some of the best and brightest law students in the nation and provides them with the opportunity to hone their advocacy skills and learn from one another,” said Mark Martin, dean of the Regent University School of Law. “We are honored to host this event and especially proud of the exceptional work of our Moot Court Board and faculty advisors.”
This year, competitors analyzed and argued thorny constitutional criminal procedure issues under the Fifth Amendment. South Texas College of Law received the Best Brief award, and William & Mary Law School was recognized as Best Oralist.
The Honorable Albert (“Al”) Diaz, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, was the final panel’s presiding judge. Southwestern Law School came in second, behind Stetson. Both teams displayed a mastery of both oral advocacy and legal knowledge, earning high praises from a distinguished panel of judges that included:
- Judge David Sentelle, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
- Judge Kenneth Starr, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (retired)
- Judge Kyle Duncan, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- Judge William Webb, Magistrate, U.S. District Court for the E.D.N.C. (retired)
- Chief Justice Jeff Bivins, Supreme Court of Tennessee
- Justice Cleo Powell, Supreme Court of Virginia
- Judge April Wood, Court of Appeals of North Carolina
- Justice Elizabeth Lang-Miers, Court of Appeals of Texas (retired)
Dozens of workers helped plan the competition, including the Moot Court Board, associates, and staff members, as well as professors and outside advisors. Regent Law students Austin Coad, Hassell director; Diamond Royster, Moot Court chairwoman; and Rich Osborne, Moot Court vice-chair served as key organizers. Faculty advisor Michael Hernandez and Professor James Wheeler also provided integral assistance.
“This competition gives schools all over the country an opportunity to argue and brief relevant constitutional issues. It provides law students with valuable experience in that arena,” explained Coad. “It is a privilege to organize this competition—even with all the technological intricacies of a virtual event.”
This annual competition is named in honor of the late former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia. Chief Justice Hassell dedicated his life to the fight for justice for citizens of the Commonwealth. During his distinguished career, the former Chief Justice championed constitutional rights. He was a leader in equality, becoming the first African American Chief Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court.
Chief Justice Hassell was a close friend of Regent University School of Law. He served as a member of the Regent University School of Law Board of Visitors and was a Distinguished Jurist-in-Residence. A model of professionalism and excellence, the Chief Justice regularly urged Regent students to work hard, to do justice, and have faith to achieve their dreams. He was a true inspiration to students and faculty alike.
To learn more about Regent Law, visit https://www.regent.edu/school-of-law/.
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