Ecclesiastical Moot 2025 at Nottingham Law School

April 11, 2025

Jack Stuart, Barrister at Ropewalk Chambers, writes:

It is my great pleasure to report the success of this year’s annual Ecclesiastical Moot, taking place again at Nottingham Law School.

The event was started in 2021 by myself, when I was working at the law school. From there, it has gone from strength to strength and since joining my Chambers I am consistently asked back to host the event, which is a real privilege. A keen following has developed amongst the local student body and this year was no exception. The courtroom boasted a packed viewing gallery this year, which itself bears testament to the popularity of this event, both for competitors and spectators.

Each year the competitors are faced with a fictitious legal problem, based in ecclesiastical law. This year saw a dispute between Crown and Cathedral Chapter on the appointment of a new dean, with Chapter disapproving of the monarch’s controversial choice. The Cathedral’s constitution, historical practices and the effect of Section 5(9) of the Cathedrals Measure 2021 all featured heavily in the arguments.

The standard of advocacy and legal research was exceptional. The only disadvantage was that the advocates made it incredibly difficult to choose a winner from such a strong collective!

A winner, nonetheless, emerged. The top spot, and accompanying cash prize, was deservedly secured by Lydia Crawford. Coming in as runner-up was Beatrice Munro, whose efforts won her a free year’s membership of the Society.

Congratulations go to our winner and runner-up, and to their competitors, all of whom put up a hefty fight and made for a thrilling watch.

Our sincerest thanks to go the Society, and in particular to Russell Dewhurst and Olamide Olajide, for kindly sponsoring the event, providing the prizes, and for keenly supporting the event throughout. I am similarly most grateful to Nottingham Law School for asking me back to host this wonderful event.

Next year holds great potential for growth and expansion of this event. All are encouraged to watch this space!

Pictured (left to right): Beatrice Munro (runner-up); Lydia Crawford (winner); Jack Stuart (judge); Matthew Shouler; Tina Eftekhar Khansari