Paralegal Studies Student Shines at Lloyd Dean Moot Competition

HLOs:

The Lloyd Dean Moot, an annual virtual competition for undergraduate students with a passion for law, is a pivotal platform for honing oral advocacy skills. Launched in 2019 by the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), Windsor Chapter, in collaboration with the University of Windsor’s Pre-Law Society and the Undergraduate Mock Trial Association, this moot offers aspiring legal minds a unique chance to sharpen their courtroom skills.

This year, amidst a pool of talented participants, Shiba Siddiqi, a third-year Bachelor of Paralegal Studies student, showcased her legal acumen at the 2024 Lloyd Dean Moot. Named after The Honourable Justice Lloyd Dean, this competition is modelled after the BLSA Canada Julius Isaac Alexander National Mooting Competition for law students, focusing on issues of equity and diversity steeped in critical race theory.

Delving into the intricacies of the law, Shiba tackled a moot question centred on the concepts of arbitrary detention and evidence exclusion under sections 9 and 24(2) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The selected case, R. v. Le, 2014 ONSC 2033, revolved around the plight of Tom Le, a young Asian-Canadian detained under dubious circumstances while lingering in a friend's backyard. Tasked with arguing the legality of detention and admissibility of evidence, Shiba navigated the complexities of the case with finesse.

Despite facing the challenge of presenting arguments solo in lieu of her absent mooting partner, Shiba's submissions earned her the prestigious Courage of the Moot award, underscoring her adeptness in articulating complex legal arguments.

As she continues to chart her path in the legal realm, Shiba's accolades serve as a testament to her dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice.

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