University moot court team earns national ranking

August 18, 2022
Moot Court symbol

The American Moot Court Association, whose tournament attracts top students from more than 200 colleges and universities across the nation, has again ranked Fitchburg State University’s program among the top 25 in the country.

The association’s newly-released rankings for 2022 placed Fitchburg State 21st in the U.S., higher than any other public institution in Massachusetts and in elite national company. The scores recognize schools based on their performance in both the association’s National Tournament Oral Advocacy competition and National Tournament Written Brief competition.

Fitchburg State Professor Paul Weizer from the university’s Economics, History and Political Science Department founded the university’s program in 2000.

“Despite dealing with a continuing pandemic threat, and virtual classes, our students rose above these obstacles and met the moment,” said Weizer. “I am very proud of this group. It is gratifying to see their hard work recognized. These rankings demonstrate objectively that Fitchburg State moot court remains a program of distinction, both at the university and nationally.”

Fitchburg State’s moot court teams have advanced to the final competition every year they have participated, with students earning national recognition. Graduates of the program have gone on to careers in law and criminal justice, among other fields, and often return to serve as judges for regional competition.

In the moot court competition, teams of students argue opposing sides of a hypothetical legal case, as in an appellate court proceeding.

Fitchburg State will host the Eastern Regional Moot Court competition on Friday, Nov. 18 and Saturday, Nov. 19. Winners in the regional rounds will advance to the national tournament hosted by Louisiana State University in January 2023.