Smith Shield 2007

The 2007 Smith Shield marked the 80th anniversary of Dalhousie Law School’s internal mooting competition. The Smith Shield recognizes the high level of achievement in mooting by the four students selected to compete in the annual competition before a bench comprised of members of the Bench and Bar.

L-R: Ms. Catherine Walker, Michael Fenrick, David Mollica, Leah Anderson, Amanda Dillman, Chief Justice Michael MacDonald and Chief Judge Patrick Curran  (Photo: Danny Abriel)

The winners of this year’s moot were Leah Anderson and David Mollica. They were awarded the A.S. Patillo Prize in Advocacy. Runners up Amanda Dillman and Michael Fenrick were awarded the Leonard A. Kitz Prize in Advocacy. Dean Saunders commented that “it was fantastic to note that the four mooters exhibited a high level of talent and were one of the most evenly matched he has seen compete.”

Professor Wayne MacKay drafted this year’s moot, which dealt with the nature and limits of academic freedom on and off campus, as well as whether the Charter of Rights applies to universities. The Bench consisted of The Honourable Chief Judge Patrick Curran (Nova Scotia Provincial Court), The Honourable Chief Justice Michael MacDonald (Nova Scotia Court of Appeal) and Ms. Catherine Walker, Q.C. (President, Nova Scotia Barristers' Society). Mr. Roderick (Rory) Rogers attended as representative for the law firm, Stewart McKelvey, the sponsor of the competition. All four mooters have had their names engraved on the Smith Shield Moot Court Plaque.