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The 14^th annual Weldon Literary Moot transports you to a place where children never grow up – a magical world called Neverland.

With characters based on J.M. Barrie's 1904 play Peter Pan and his 1911 novel Peter and Wendy, The Trial of Peter Pan concerns complaints against the notorious Captain James Hook for kidnapping, piracy, and just being an overall menace.

Seventy people gathered in the Weldon Law Building on March 12 to watch the trial come to life. 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 (2L) and Benjamin Lohoar (3L) represented the Plaintiffs, Pan and Bell, while Chaeyon Lee (2L) and Liam Sherlock (3L) represented the Defendants, Hook and Darling. Professor Richard Devlin served as the Presiding Justice with Kimberly Gilson (2L) as the Bailiff.

The annual sketch-comedy moot raises money for the Halifax Humanities Society, 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.

What’s at stake?

For years, Peter Pan and his Lost Boys have been 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 – and the start of that ticking crocodile that he just can't seem to shake. 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? It is now for the audience and Justice Devlin to determine if Pan has been the real villain the whole time. 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 – after all, he has not forgotten who cut off his hand!

In summary, Pan wants an order for Hook to quit his mischief, piracy, and devilry; Hook wants to be made whole for the loss of his hand. Who will prevail?

Compelling commentary

In Pan’s testimony, he claimed that he is doing his usual good deeds around Neverland – helping the Lost Boys, saving children from neglectful parents, and making sure pirates aren’t 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 (not to mention, he doesn’t eat citrus).

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 questioned what Pan really does to support the Lost Boys. What benefits does he provide besides making sure they don’t 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 testified 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.

Off the hook

After hearing testimony from witnesses and arguments from counsel, the judge decided the moot should be determined by audience applause. Those in attendance let it be known that Hook's argument was the most persuasive.

Presiding Justice Devlin admits that this was one of the biggest challenges of his career. “The 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). 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.”

Courtroom comedy for a cause

Every fall, the Weldon Literary Moot Society (WLMS) members start brainstorming the moot’s concept, which is usually related in some way to the Halifax Humanities Society's curriculum. In previous years, students have created problems based on Cinderella, Hamlet, Alice in Wonderland, Julius Caesar, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The Hobbit.

Members vote to select the source material by the end of the fall term, and 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’s show time.

"I have had the privilege of being involved with the literary moot each year of law school,” says WLMS President Benjamin Lohoar. “Every year, we’re 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!"  

The WLMS would like to give a special thanks to Geeta Mudhar (2L) for managing communication with the Halifax Humanities Society, Nathalie Clement (2L) and Jason Bowles Conover (2L) for volunteering at the ticket booth, and to the current Director of the Halifax Humanities Society, Amy Bird, for the longtime support and for attending this year’s moot.