The 14th annual Weldon Literary Moot transported attendees to a place where children never grow up 鈥� a magical world called Neverland.
The Trial of Peter Pan, based on J.M. Barrie's 1904 play and a later novel, concerns complaints against the notorious Captain James Hook for kidnapping, piracy, and just being an overall menace. Seventy people gathered at Dal last month to watch the trial come to life.聽
The annual sketch-comedy moot raises money for the a non-profit organization that provides university-level humanities education to community members who otherwise would not be able to afford it. This year, the moot raised $2,500.
The dynamic cast of this year's moot included Assistant Professor Anthony Rosborough as Peter Pan, Professor Sheila Wildeman as Tinker Bell, Professor Steve Coughlan as Captain Hook, and Instruction & Reference Law Librarian Hannah Rosborough as Wendy Darling. Law students Alexander Korski and Benjamin Lohoar represented the plaintiffs, Pan and Bell, while Chaeyon Lee and Liam Sherlock represented the defendants, Hook and Darling. Professor Richard Devlin served as the presiding justice with Kimberly Gilson as the bailiff.
Devlin admits that this was one of the biggest challenges of his career.聽
鈥淭he witnesses were remarkably credible, despite the fact that they were faculty members. And the counsel were outstanding, although clearly they had learned nothing in Civ Pro," he said. "Even though I am indubitably brilliant, I was stumped. So, I left it to the jury of 70 to reach a verdict. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the wisdom of their decision.鈥�
What was at stake?
The story of the trial goes something like this: For years, Peter Pan and his lost boys were in conflict with Captain Hook and his pirate crew. Although Pan might like to call it boyish fun, to Hook it seems to be targeted harassment, especially after the duel that led to the loss of Hook's hand.聽
Soon after the duel, Pan was introduced to Darling and her brothers. But were the children brought to Neverland willingly? The event that finally brought us to litigation was the kidnapping of Darling by Hook. But wait ... why is she testifying on his behalf?聽
Justice Devlin was challenged to determine whether Pan had been the real villain all along. Does he perform a noble service by taking care of his Lost Boys, or are they exploited labourers on his behalf? Making matters even more complex, Hook has brought forth a countersuit in battery 鈥� after all, he has not forgotten who cut off his hand.
Pan wanted an order for Hook to quit his mischief, piracy, and devilry. Hook wanted to be made whole for the loss of his hand.聽
Off the hook
In Pan鈥檚 testimony, he claims he's doing his usual good deeds around Neverland 鈥� helping the Lost Boys, saving children from neglectful parents, and making sure pirates aren鈥檛 stealing. When pressed about his feelings for Hook, he insisted that the man screams evil. He is a pirate who roams the high seas, steals from people, and kidnaps his dear friend Darling. And what problem does Bell have with pirates? She shared that her ancestors were captured by pirates long ago and shoved into little jars to be used as lamps and held there until their sparks went out.
Hook questions what Pan really does to support the Lost Boys. What benefits does he provide besides making sure they don鈥檛 starve and letting them sleep out in the open? When asked what happened to his hand, Hook said he was on the bridge arranging his finances when he heard a bunch of boys splashing their way to the ship. One of them was wielding a sword, so he went down to meet them with both his hands up. The rest is history.
As for Darling, she testifies that she was not kidnapped. She said the crew joined Hook voluntarily. They had lovely accommodations and an even lovelier boat tour. They also split their earnings honestly. Pan, on the other hand, did not get such a glowing review. She said he kidnapped children and made them forget their families.
As noted above, after hearing testimony from witnesses and arguments from counsel, Judge Devlin decided the moot should be determined by audience applause. Those in attendance let it be known that Hook's argument was the most persuasive.
Every year, something different
Every fall, the Weldon Literary Moot Society (WLMS) members start brainstorming the moot鈥檚 concept and vote to select the source material by the end of the term. From January to March moot participants are recruited, roles are assigned, and the students write the script. After a single table read with the cast, it鈥檚 show time.
"I have had the privilege of being involved with the literary moot each year of law school,鈥� says Benjamin Lohoar, president of the soceity. 鈥淓very year, we鈥檙e thrilled to watch the show turn into something different, bigger, and funnier than what we had planned. I am grateful for our cast embracing the silliness of it all (those costumes!) and to the society team for meeting and overcoming any challenges that we faced to support such a good cause. I hope to someday come back and be involved in the show again."