last 24 hours with pictures....

I had only been in court once before and that was to get divorced, a pretty clinical and overwhelming experience in the High Court of Cape Town with Judge Denis Davis presiding.  The second time was yesterday to watch Nic in action in "moot court".  I am not doubting your intelligence but I had to look it up, so here it is:-

From Wikipedia

"A moot court is an extracurricular activity at many law schools in which participants take part in simulated court proceedings, which usually involves drafting briefs (or memorials) and participating in oral argument. The term derives from Anglo-Saxon times, when a moot (gmot or emot) was a gathering of prominent men in a locality to discuss matters of local importance. The modern activity differs from a mock trial, as moot court usually refers to a simulated appellate court or arbitral case, while a mock trial usually refers to a simulated jury trial or bench trial. Moot court does not involve actual testimony by witnesses or the presentation of evidence, but is focused solely on the application of the law to a common set of evidentiary assumptions to which the competitors must be introduced. In most countries, the phrase "a moot court" may be shortened to simply "a moot" and the activity may be called "mooting". Moot court, together with law review, form the two key extracurricular activities in many law schools. Students typically spend a semester researching and writing the memorials, and another semester practising their oral arguments." 

 The Kramer law faculty on middle campus - an awesome building

Counsel for the Plaintiff in the "court" about to "moot"

Wise words from Oliver

Having been involved in legal work for longer than I care to admit, I must say it was a bit too intellectual for my old brain.  The case revolved around a lease agreement which contained a pre-emptive right (and lots of talk about the interpretation of Clause 24).  Amazing to see these young students getting cross questioned, examined and basically grilled by the 3 "judges" (2 lecturers and an advocate).  

Counsel for the Plaintiff, fared very well and I was proud (if a tad confused). 

The University of Cape Town must be one of the most beautiful campuses around.  Walking back to my car (in the cold and rain) with students jumping puddles in a hurry to get to their next lecture (or lunch), I felt very thankful that my children have been able to learn from and experience this wonderful campus.

This morning I was late for work.  Just one of those mornings where you can't get going.  When I finally got going and reversed out of the garage I had to stop the car in the middle of the road, leave it idling while I got out with my camera to take this picture. 

It was better in "real life" because everything was so crisp and fresh after the overnight rain.  Don't you love the raindrops hanging there and holding onto the thatching reeds with all their might?