In a moot court competition, the Researcher is the unsung hero. While the speakers are at the podium, the researcher is the “engine room”—managing the data, anticipating questions, and providing the legal firepower. In 2026, the role has expanded; you are no longer just a “book finder,” but a Strategic Information Officer.
This checklist is ideal for law students seeking exposure to practical law and will ensure you are indispensable to your team’s success.
Phase 1: Pre-Competition & Memorial Stage
The researcher’s work begins the moment the moot problem is released. Your primary goal here is to build an unshakeable legal foundation for the speakers.
- [ ] The “Magnified” Read: Read the moot proposition at least 10 times. Annotate every date, every “gray area,” and every potentially ambiguous fact.
- [ ] Issue Identification: Draft the first set of “Issues for Consideration.” Ensure they are framed neutrally but subtly favor your client’s position.
- [ ] Authority Mapping: Search for landmark judgments (Ratio Decidendi) and persuasive Obiter Dicta for every single sub-point.
- [ ] The “Search Stack” (2026 Tools): * [ ] Traditional: SCC Online, Manupatra, Westlaw (for Indian and International Law).
- [ ] AI-Native: Use tools like CaseIQ or AttorneyIQ to find contextually relevant cases that standard keyword searches might miss.
- [ ] Bluebook/OSCOLA Audit: Be the “Citation Police.” Ensure every footnote in the memorial is technically perfect. In 2026, many competitions use automated citation checkers.
- [ ] The Researcher’s Test Prep: Study the core subjects related to the moot (e.g., Constitutional Law, Contracts). The “Best Researcher” award is decided by a written test on these topics.
Also Read: How to Study Law Effectively: A Practical Guide for Indian Law Students
Phase 2: Compiling the Judges’ Compendium
The compendium is the physical or digital folder you give to the judges. It is the proof of your team’s hard work.
- [ ] Categorization: Divide cases into “Landmark Precedents” and “Secondary Authorities.”
- [ ] The “Quick Glance” Summary: For every case in the compendium, include a 3-sentence summary (Facts, Ratio, Application) so the judge can understand its relevance without reading the whole thing.
- [ ] Physical Tabbing: Use color-coded tabs.
- Example: Red for Petitioner-leaning cases, Blue for Respondent-leaning.
- [ ] Clean Copies: Ensure the photocopies/PDFs are high-resolution and include the specific paragraph numbers cited in your memorial.
Phase 3: During the Oral Rounds (The Podium Support)
This is where your “Street Smarts” come into play. You are the speaker’s second brain.
- [ ] The “Note-Passing” System: Establish a silent system for passing chits.
- Rule: Never whisper. Use 2×2 Post-it notes with one-word answers or a page number.
- [ ] The “Question Bank”: Keep a running list of every question asked by the judges in previous rounds. Prepare “Counter-Scripts” for your speakers.
- [ ] Opponent Scouting: When you aren’t competing, watch other teams (if allowed). Identify the specific cases they are citing and find a way to “distinguish” them.
- [ ] The “Rebuttal” Engine: During the opponent’s speech, find the flaws in their logic or the specific judgments they misquoted. Hand these “bullets” to your lead speaker for the rebuttal round.
Phase 4: Post-Round & Strategy Pivot
- [ ] Clarification Audit: If a judge points out a flaw in your research, find the correction immediately before the next round.
- [ ] Team Morale: Keep the speakers calm. Your job is to have the answers so they don’t have to worry.
Also Read: Most law students struggle not because they lack talent
