Sir James
Martin Moot
2 September 2026
An annual intervarsity criminal law moot between Western Sydney University and the University of Sydney — a focused setting to develop written and oral advocacy.
View photo
2 September 2026
Criminal law
Intervarsity · WSU × USyd
An intervarsity tradition.
The Sir James Martin Moot is an annual mooting competition between Western Sydney University and the University of Sydney.
The 2026 competition was held on 2 September 2026 and was based on a criminal law problem. It gives students the opportunity to develop their written and oral advocacy skills in a focused intervarsity setting, presenting submissions for one side of the matter before the bench.
Our 2026 team
Celebrating the students who represented Western Sydney University in the 2026 Sir James Martin Moot.
- Amy Young
- Lauren Williams
- Ethan Sylvestre
Written preparation. Oral advocacy.
A shared commitment to the team.
The moot, in photographs.
From the courtroom to the conversations afterwards, a look at the 2026 Sir James Martin Moot.
2026 photography by Aryan Nanda
Advocacy in action.
A criminal law problem. Written and oral submissions. A bench to persuade.
The Sir James Martin Moot brings students from Western Sydney University and the University of Sydney together in a focused intervarsity setting.
Meet the community behind the team
Explore the courtroom photographs8 photographs · Select to explore
Explore more moments from the evening5 photographs · Select to explore
With thanks.
WSLSA extends its sincere thanks to everyone who gave their time to help the 2026 team prepare and supported them along the way. We are particularly grateful to:
- The Honourable Justice David Collier
- Shreeya Smith
- Isabella Strapp
- Rehan Abeyratne
- Ivan Vizintin
- Caitlin Akthar
- Manuel Ventura
- Oliver Oxley
- Shauna Mani
- Aashish Neupane
Support that makes a difference.
Thank you also to Dean Catherine Renshaw and the Western Sydney University School of Law for their ongoing support, and to everyone from the School who came along to watch and support the team on the night.
We were honoured to have the Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG in attendance.
Our thanks to Aryan Nanda for capturing the occasion through the 2026 photography showcased on this page.
2026 competition details
Applications closed on 9 July 2026, with the moot held on 2 September 2026.
Applications closed
9 July 2026
Problem area
Criminal law
Shortlisting
Brief skills-based interview, if invited
Format
Intervarsity — WSU × USyd
Competition date
2 September 2026
Eligibility
The 2026 application criteria welcomed students who met either of the following:
- Experienced mooters; and/or
- Law students in their third year (full-time equivalent) or above.
Suited to students with a strong interest in
- Criminal law
- Advocacy
- Legal research
- Teamwork
Students are welcome to apply for multiple competitions where they meet the eligibility criteria and can commit to the preparation requirements.
About Sir James Martin
The Moot is fittingly named after Sir James Martin (1820–1886), a significant figure in New South Wales' legal and political history.
Premier
New South Wales
Attorney-General
New South Wales
Chief Justice
New South Wales
Born in Ireland, Sir James relocated with his family to Parramatta in 1821. After attending the Dame's School at Parramatta, he gained entry to Sydney College — now Sydney Grammar School — walking approximately 20 kilometres each day from Parramatta to the city to attend school.
As Premier, Sir James improved educational opportunities in New South Wales and supported the establishment of the University of Sydney. The Sir James Martin Moot recognises his connection to Parramatta, his contribution to the legal profession, and his commitment to public education.
The 2025 moot
Photography from the 2025 Sir James Martin Moot.
Your next opportunity.
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