Paralegal Studies Students Excel at the 2023 Capital Cup

HLOs:

Bachelor of Paralegal Studies students made an impressive mark at the 2023 Capital Cup, hosted by Carleton University on November 25th and 26th.

Forty mooting teams, drawing participants from across Canada and the United States, converged to compete in this prestigious event. Among them were three formidable teams representing Humber College. The competition field featured notable contenders such as the University of Toronto, the University of Ottawa, St. Thomas University in Halifax, and an impressive contingent of eight teams from the University of Chicago, renowned for securing the top rank in national undergraduate mooting competitions across the United States.

Humber's representation proved noteworthy as one of its mooting teams, comprising third-year students Maria Rausch Lima and Dion Desserre, clinched a spot in the quarterfinals, securing a commendable sixth position among the elite eight teams. Their accomplishment involved arguing both sides of the appeal from the Supreme Court of Canada decision in R. v. Hilbach. This case focused on the constitutionality debate surrounding the mandated minimum sentence of five years imprisonment for armed robbery with a restricted weapon.

Guiding the Humber mooting teams were coaches Paige Diebel and Mushfiq Mawla, both alumni of the Paralegal Studies program. Both coaches were recipients of top oralist awards in national mooting competitions. Paige serves as a litigation paralegal within Aviva Canada's in-house legal department, while Mushfiq contributes his expertise as a Learning Services Assistant within Humber's Faculty of Media and Creative Arts.

The stellar performance of the Paralegal Studies students and the guidance of their dedicated alumni coaches showcased Humber's commitment to nurturing excellence in legal education and practical advocacy skills.

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