Millikin University participates each spring in the moot court competition that is held as part of the Model Illinois Government simulation, which is held in early March in Springfield, Illinois. Millikin typically fields several teams of attorneys as well as several student justices.

The simulation is educational in the best and fullest sense of the word. For the six-seven weeks leading up to the competition, the faculty advisor meets with participating students three to four hours per week, typically in the evenings. During these meetings, the “closed brief” materials are collectively analyzed. In addition, students work on the formulation of arguments representing both sides of the case, practice oral delivery of those arguments and practice fielding questions from justices.

At the 2004-05 competition, Millikin’s two teams took first and second place in the competition, having to face each other in the final round of competition. In addition, one of our three student justices won for most outstanding justice. We continued our success at the 2005-06 competition. One of our teams took third place in the competition. In addition, one of our student justices was elected to serve as Chief Justice for the 2006-07 competition. Millikin students performed well once again at the 2006-2007 competition. Millikin teams took second and third place. In addition, a Millikin student was re-elected Chief Justice for the 2007-2008 competition.

Many of Millikin’s core educational skills are facilitated in this practical simulation: critical and moral reasoning, oral communication skills, and collaborative learning, among others. This is a paradigmatic example of the “theory-practice” model endorsed by Millikin. The success of our students – as judged by external evaluators, including faculty from other institutions as well as attorneys and law students – is clear evidence of the quality of our program.

Dr. Robert Money, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Pre-Law Program, has served as faculty advisor to Millikin’s moot court program since spring 2004. Students with an interest in participating should contact Dr. Money:

• Dr. Robert E. Money, Jr., Associate Professor, Philosophy Department, Millikin University, 1999-present
• Educational Background
  • University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, Ph.D., Philosophy, July 1999
  • Emory University School of Law, Atlanta, GA, Doctor of Law, With Distinction, May 1993
  • Furman University, Greenville, SC, B.A., Cum Laude, Philosophy and Political Science, May 1990
• Office Location: 329 Shilling Hall
• Office Phone: (217) 424-3804
  
• Email Addresses: rmoney@millikin.edu