Samuel Polsky Competition

Samuel Polsky was a Professor of Law at Temple University from 1955 until his death in 1975. A graduate of Harvard Law School, Professor Polsky came to Temple after teaching at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, Tulane University, and the University of Texas. At Temple, Professor Polsky devoted his time to teaching Law and Legal Medicine at the Schools of Law and Medicine.

The Annual Samuel Polsky Moot Court Selection Competition is open to all students who have successfully completed the first year of law school. The Moot Court Honor Society will only consider extending an invitation for membership to students who have participated in the competition.

Advocates in the Polsky Competition are presented with a civil or criminal case on appeal and select a party to represent as counsel for either the petitioner or respondent. Each advocate must write an appellate brief, and argue both sides of the case in the preliminary rounds of oral arguments. Advocates earning the highest combined brief and oral argument scores are invited to join the Moot Court Honor Society. Fewer than 20 students are extended an invitation each year.

The top 8 advocates are selected to compete in the semi-final round of the competition. Four advocates are selected during the semi-final round to appear in the Moot Court Room to present their arguments during the final round of the competition. For years, Professor Polsky's family members have been honored guests at the final round of arguments.

Ultimately, one advocate is selected as Champion of the competition and one advocate is selected for second place.