Cardiff Law student scoops Fake News advocacy competition

A third year Law student was recently awarded first prize at this year’s Times Law Student Advocacy Competition.

India Moore, who is originally from the Wirral, is currently studying Law and Criminology and won the first prize at this year’s competition by arguing the case, “Do we need new laws to combat fake news?”.  This year’s prize was awarded to India and joint winner, Christian Hughes of the University of York, by Lady Justice Rafferty, the Court of Appeal judge, in an event which took place at the News UK offices in London this October.

Prior to the event, India and her fellow competitors were required to submit a 90 second clip, speaking about laws to combat fake news, which was supported by an 800 word skeleton argument. The London law firm Kingsley Napley assessed all entries and selected the top four. Once selected as a finalist, India was required to prepare a six minute speech which she presented to a panel of legal experts which consisted of Max Hill, QC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation and the head of Red Lion Chambers in London; Stephen Parkinson, a partner at Kingsley Napley; and Frances Gibb, the law editor of The Times together with a 100 strong student audience.

Speaking after her win, India said, “I'm very proud to have won such a prestigious award, especially given the high calibre of the other candidates. The topic of regulating fake news is important given the commercial awareness aspect of it, and as such I believe this competition will help me in the future."

“Competitions such as this definitely make you stand out to potential employers, and help to give you the edge when it comes to applications and interviews so I would urge my fellow students to take part when you can.”

India, who hopes to become a solicitor after graduating from University has taken full advantage of the extra-curricular activities that are offered at the School of Law and Politics, participating in a pro bono advice scheme helping families claim back care home fees that arguably should have been covered by the NHS , in conjunction with Cardiff law firm Hugh James.

Law lecturer Hannah Marchant said, “India is a great example of a student who is keen to get as much legal experience as she can before leaving University. As a School we pride ourselves on the opportunities we can provide our students so it’s great to see them being this proactive and taking part in high profile competitions such as this. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate India on this fantastic achievement!”