Participant Name: ___________________________
Date: _____________________
I. COMMAND OF ISSUES: ( Maximum Points = 30) _______________
A. Superficial knowledge of law and facts.
(1-6 points)
B. Some knowledge of law and facts but uncomfortable with them. (7-12 points)
C. Adequate understanding of law and facts but hesitant.
(13-18 points)
D. Good understanding of law and facts, but misses fine distinctions. (19-24 points)
E. Full understanding of law and facts including fine distinction and subtleties. (25-30 points)
II. ORGANIZATION AND REASONING: (Maximum Points = 20)
_______________
A. No organization, confusing and illogical. (1-4 points)
B. Somewhat organized, but clearly below average. (5-8 points)
C. More organized but with a difficult outline to follow (9-12 points)
D. Coherent with a cohesive outline and a clear presentation of points (13-16 points)
E. Concise and logical with a flowing outline and an outstanding presentation of points (17-20 points)
III. ABILITY TO ANSWER QUESTIONS: (Maximum Points = 20)
_______________
A. Very evasive, fails to address question and fails to cite authority. (1-4 points)
B. Attempts to answer question and ultimately gives some answer. (5-8 points)
C. Gives adequate answer. (9-12 points)
D. Gives appropriate answer and possibly cites authority, but without smooth transition back into the argument. (13-16 points)
E. Clear and concise answers, uses authority effectively and smooth transition back into the main argument. (17-20 points)
IV. PERSUASIVENESS: (Maximum Points = 20)
A. Conveyed no real belief in position argued. (1-4 points)
B. Monotonous and/or reading from notes. (5-8 points)
C. Adequately persuasive but overly argumentative or conversational. (9-12 points)
D. Persuasive but fails to display a true sense of conviction. (13-16 points)
E. Very persuasive and conveys sincere belief in position well. (17-20 points)
V. COURTROOM MANNER AND APPEARANCE: ( Maximum Points = 10)
_______________
A. Generally inarticulate, very nervous or overly casual. (1-2 points)
B. Significant physical signs of nervousness and poor eye contact. (3-4 points)
C. Some signs of nervousness that do not affect overall performance, adequate eye contact and adequately observant of decorum. (5-6 points)
D. Confident, calm, good eye contact and respectful. (7-8 points)
E. Confident, smooth, exceptional eye contact and very respectful. (9-10 points)
TOTAL SCORE _______________
NB: Judges may deduct a maximum of 2 points for unprofessional appearance.