Academy cadets defeat Ca. State-Long Beach in Moot Court competition

By Ray Bowden, Oct. 4, 2018

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — Cadets at the Air Force Academy took legal matters into their own hands by winning the top slot at a collegiate legal competition September 21.

The Academy’s Moot Court Team hosted the Falcon Class International competition against California State-Long Beach. Cadets 1st Class Rachel Kester and Josh West took home the championship trophy.

“It’s a significant victory,” said Prof. Doug McKechnie of the Academy’s Law Department. “After a grueling six hours of oral arguments before a mock supreme court, they won the invite.”

Kester and West said the team’s win hinged on the quality of the Law Department’s staff who helped them prepare for the invite.

“They’re fantastic,” West. “They care about my knowledge of the legal materiel and work hard to improve my speaking skills.”

Kester said the Law Department faculty’s expertise in appellate advocacy contributed to their success.

“It was crucial,” she said.

An appellate or “appeals” court hears an appeal of a trial court or other lower tribunal.

The Moot Court Team is scheduled to meet this semester with more competitions slated for November and January.

(This report will be updated as more information comes in.)