Moot Court provides an outstanding opportunity for students to experience the practice of Constitutional Law firsthand.PHC’s moot court teams compete in the American Moot Court Association (AMCA)—the only national undergraduate moot court league in the U.S.—against more than 400 teams from colleges around the country. With 14 national championship titles in oral advocacy since 2005 and one international championship title, PHC’s track record of success is unparalleled.
Why Participate in Moot Court?Due to the rigorous legal analysis that it requires, Moot Court has been called by some “the single most beneficial experience for anyone contemplating law school.” Even PHC students preparing for careers in other fields have found the skills they drew from competition to be invaluable.
2025-2026: Moot Court season in reviewProgram Director Sue Johnson says, "The most amazing thing about coaching here at PHC is the quality of the teams we send out each year. That quality runs far deeper than just how well you present arguments. It's also reflected in the two qualities we prize most in our students: a strong work ethic and the camaraderie with your teammates that makes our program so strong.”
PHC's Forensics Program earns 5 championships in a weekend!The Patrick Henry College Moot Court and Civic Debate students swept the competition, bringing home five championships in one weekend—three in moot court and two in civic debate! Read on for more details of an exciting and successful weekend for PHC's Forensics Program. As one of the competitors put it, "The Lord has been so kind."
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William Bock ('18) and Helaina Hirsch ('18), coached by Michael Farris, Chancellor Emeritus of Patrick Henry College, won the 8th Annual Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition on July 20, 2016 in Geneva, Switzerland—a leading human rights educational event. The final round of the competition, sponsored by the Centre for Human Rights of the University of Pretoria, South Africa, was held in the UN Human Rights Council Chambers.
On January 27, 2017, Delegate Dave LaRock honored William Bock and Helaina Hirsch, along with PHC Chancellor Emeritus Michael Farris and President Jack Haye, with a center aisle presentation on the Virginia House floor for their victory at the Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court 2016 Championship.
Competitive debate motivates students to exceed the bare minimum of knowledge, and builds the ability to articulate and defend a position against repeated attacks. Because of its rigorous and effective approach to education, forensics at PHC are not extra-curricular but co-curricular, a fully-recognized and vital element of PHC Academics.
We've got just the thing for you! Explore our selection of Teen Leadership Camps, including weeks of instruction on moot court, debate, constitutional law, and more. Our camps are a stellar experience for anyone who wants to learn how to think, communicate, and persuade. Whether you're a seasoned debater who wants to win nationals or just want to persuade someone on Facebook, this camp is for you. We will cover everything from basic logic and rhetorical skills to advanced non-verbal persuasion strategies. Through sessions, practice debate rounds, and practical drills, students will leave better equipped to speak truth in a winsome, loving manner.
