International Moot Court Brings Legal Exchange To Johnston County Superior Court

SMITHFIELD — On September 10, the Johnston County Superior Courtroom in Smithfield played host to a unique legal exchange as students from the United Kingdom and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law engaged in a spirited moot court session—an event that blended legal education with cross-cultural insight.

The event was part of a long-standing partnership between UNC Chapel Hill School of Law and The Honourable Society of Middle Temple, one of the four Inns of Court in London. Since 2007, this transatlantic collaboration has offered law students an opportunity to explore the nuances of both the American and British legal systems through friendly, competitive moot court experiences.

In this year’s session, four Carolina Law students squared off against four barristers-in-training from the UK. The legal scenario—based on a fictional UK case—was argued before a panel at the Johnston County courthouse, offering a real-world setting for this academic exercise. One of the judges participating in the event was Johnston County Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Tom Lock.

Beyond the courtroom arguments, the day provided rich discussion on the differences between federal and state courts in the U.S., the types of cases heard in each, and the procedural variations between the two systems.

Participants also examined the role of jury trials in American courts—a feature that continues to distinguish the U.S. legal system from that of the UK.

One of the more eye-opening moments came during a conversation about case resolution in the U.S. court system. UK students expressed surprise at the high percentage of American criminal cases resolved through plea bargains and civil disputes often settled out of court, as opposed to reaching trial.

“For many of the UK students, the idea that most cases never go to trial was both surprising and thought-provoking,” said a program coordinator. “It really sparked meaningful conversation about access to justice, efficiency, and the evolving role of the courtroom.”

The visiting UK students are currently in either the vocational or pupillage stages of becoming barristers—a rigorous process that includes academic study, bar training, and a year-long apprenticeship. Their American counterparts are third-year law students preparing for the bar exam and entry into legal practice.

In odd-numbered years, like 2025, UK students travel to North Carolina for the moot court. In even-numbered years, Carolina Law students travel to London, where they argue a U.S.-based legal problem at Middle Temple’s historic Inn, just across from the Royal Courts of Justice on Fleet Street. This is the first time the US session of moot court has been held outside of Chapel Hill.

Following the courtroom event, the law students were treated to a traditional Eastern North Carolina barbecue at the home of Smithfield attorney Lamar Armstrong.