MERLIN MANSY
Dr. A. T. MARKOSE MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION was an initiative taken by the students of SLS in 2012. After conducting three successful editions in 2012, 2013 and 2014, School of Legal Studies (SLS), CUSAT is all set for the 4th edition of its flagship moot. Here is an interview with Merlin Mansy (ninth semester student), the Moot Court Convenor of the upcoming moot. INTERVIEW WITH MERLIN MANSY, MOOT COURT HEAD OF SCHOOL OF LEGAL STUDIES , CUSAT Anila: Hello Merlin, tell me something about the SLS moot court committee.Merlin: The SLS moot court committee consists of the Core Committee and other Committees. The Core Committee comprises of student representatives of all semesters who decide on all matters. Any decision must be placed before this body before it is implemented. The core committee has the final say on all matters. Apart from this there are other committees which have been formed to divide the tasks involved in hosting the event and thus reduce the burden. There are twelve such committees to manage each and every major task of organizing this event. The committees are Sponsorship Committee, Finance Committee, Moot Problem Committee, Memo and Tabulation Committee, Court Officers Committee, Judges Committee, Invitation Committee, Stage and Decoration Committee, Accommodation Committee, Transportation Committee, Food Committee and Brochure Committee. The functioning of all committees is carried out in a transparent manner. Anila: In your opinion, what is the purpose of moot court?
Merlin: It helps students from different colleges to participate and work on moot problems comprising of issues from wide range of areas. It helps the students to develop organization skills as organizing such an event is not an easy task. It also helps students to develop contacts with the students of other law colleges which in the long run can be really helpful. Anila: Are moot courts in any way connected to real courts? Is mooting a pre – requisite for advocacy?
Merlin: Yes. Moot courts give an opportunity to students to experience the feeling of arguing in an actual court. It helps them to learn the mannerisms and skills required to practice in a court. It develops a skill of looking at all sides of an issue and to think differently. It helps the students in being prepared of what to expect when appearing before a court. It is helpful as the students learn to ponder on issues and to look at all sides of a problem in a case. Anila: Has holding National Level Moots contributed to the repute of your college?
Merlin: Yes. It has helped in publicizing this College and students from other law colleges are now aware of the presence of such a college in Kerala. Anila: Describe your interest or motivation in being the Moot Court Head.
Merlin: My class is my motivation as organizing this event helps us to work together which is a great memory that I can carry forward after college. Anila: What are the practical difficulties of your post?
Melin: It is a difficult task but my classmates and juniors are really hardworking and willing to help in every way possible. The role that I have is to ensure that there is proper communication between all committees and to encourage the students in their efforts. Anila:Approach of faculties and HOD towards competition?
Merlin: The faculties and HOD of the competition are approachable and always willing to assist us in this task. They always encourage and appreciate us and are ever ready to answer our doubts and confusions. Anila: How successful were the attempts made in previous years?
Merlin: The attempts to host this event in the previous year have been really successful. The college has made developments each year in organizing this event. In the previous year, K V Thomas, the then Minister of Consumer Affairs was chief guest for the inaugural function. The valedictory ceremony is usually presided over by sitting High Court Judges. Anila: How do you raise the fund for conducting such a national event?
Merlin: The University greatly supports us in the event and in the preceding years had assisted us in a great manner. Apart from this we seek the help of the alumni of our college and firms and institutions. Anila: Lastly, do you intent to make any changes in the upcoming moot of 2014 from that of previous years?
Merlin: This year we are planning to host several other events in addition to the moot court competition that is an environment protection and awareness programme with activities such as debates, seminars, workshops and elocution competition.
Our Campus Ambassador Anila Umesh got a chance to catch up with Merlin . Here we are glad to present the interview on our website.