Mastering the Fifth Amendment: Our Triumph at the Melissa Mitchell Moot Court Competition

I had the privilege of participating in the Melissa Mitchell Moot Court Competition at Cooley Law School, and I cannot express how grateful I am for this opportunity. Today, I'm thrilled to share that my partner, Lucas Nabizada, and I secured an impressive 2nd place in this challenging event.

Amidst the rigors of studying for midterms, tight deadlines for motions in advocacy, and a demanding academic schedule, I am glad that we took the extra time to prepare for this competition. This experience reaffirmed that refining our oral advocacy skills is a crucial aspect of our professional growth, and I eagerly anticipate the chance to engage in similar endeavors in the near future.

My issue within our case revolved around a critical question: Did the state's actions, which resulted in Mr. Kennedy being confined in the interrogation room for an extended duration, infringe upon his Fifth Amendment rights? Specifically, we contended that the state's actions were exceedingly coercive, and the defendant's will was overborne by police conduct, in violation of his Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination.

I must extend my heartfelt congratulations to Safa and Alan, who clinched the 1st place prize. Your exemplary performance serves as an inspiration to all of us. A special shoutout is also in order for the respondents in my case, Aidalis and Michelle, who helped make this experience truly enriching.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Cooley Law School Moot Court Board for making this enriching experience possible. Additionally, I'd like to thank my partner, Lucas, for your unwavering dedication and teamwork throughout this journey. Here's to continued growth and success in our legal careers, with a newfound appreciation for the intricacies of Fourth and Fifth Amendment issues in criminal procedure.