I:  COMMAND OF ISSUES (max. 30 points)
• 1 - 6 pts.:  Superficial knowledge of law and facts
• 7 - 12 pts.:  Some knowledge, but uncomfortable with them
• 13 - 18 pts.:  Adequate understanding, but hesitant
• 19 - 24 pts.:  Good understanding, but misses fine distinctions
• 25 - 30 pts.:  Full understanding, including subtleties and fine distinctions

II:  ORGANIZATION (max. 20 points)
• 1 - 4 pts.:  No organization, confusing, or illogical
• 5 - 8 pts.:  Somewhat organized, but clearly below average
• 9 - 12 pts.:  More organized, but difficult to follow
• 13 - 16 pts.:  Cohesive outline and clear presentation of points
• 17 - 20 pts.:  Concise and logical with flowing outline and outstanding presentation of points

III:  ANSWERING QUESTIONS (max. 20 points)
• 1 - 4 pts.:   Evasive and fails to answer questions
• 5 - 8 pts.:   Attempts to answer questions
• 9 - 12 pts.:   Gives adequate answers
• 13 - 16 pts.:   Gives appropriate answers, but without smooth transition to argument
• 17 - 20 pts.:   Clear and concise answers with smooth transition to argument

IV:  PERSUASIVENESS (max. 15 points)
• 1 - 5 pts.:    Monotonous and / or reading from notes
• 6 - 10 pts.:    Adequately persuasive, but overly argumentative or conversational
• 11 - 13 pts.:    Persuasive, but no true sense of conviction
• 14 - 15 pts.:    Very persuasive and conveys sincere belief in position

V:  COURTROOM MANNER (max. 15 points)
• 1 - 5 pts.:    Significant physical signs of nervousness and poor eye contact
• 6 - 10 pts.:    Some signs of nervousness, but adequate eye contact and decorum
• 11 - 13 pts.:    Confident, calm, good eye contact, and respectful
• 14 - 15 pts.:    Confident, smooth, exceptional eye contact, and very respectful

VI:  FORM (max. - 6 points)
• - 2 pts.:    No roadmap
• - 2 pts.:    Failure to ask for relief at least once (Petitioner need not repeat his or her prayer on rebuttal)
• Petitioner
  • -1 pt.:   Failure to begin main argument with, "May it please the Court."
  • -1 pt.:   Failure to begin rebuttal with, "May it please the Court."
• Respondent
• -2 pts.:   Failure to begin main argument with, "May it please the Court."