IVM 2008 Director Dr. Ken Shao with Murdoch team students (from left): Rupert Coldwell, Watna Mori, Dr. Ken Shao, Fraser Robertson and Tim Ognenis.

The 2008 International Virtual Moot took place from 1 - 5 September. The Moot was organized and hosted by Murdoch Law School, and generously sponsored by Systematics, developers and providers of online courtroom and litigation support software. Invaluable technical support services were provided by audio visual staff at both Murdoch and the University of Melbourne.

Seven universities from Australia and the United States, including Melbourne University, Michigan State University, Bond University, The College of William & Mary, Queensland University of Technology and the University of Canberra. Teams appeared via internet protocol videoconferencing.

The moot problem, which was drafted by WAIDM research assistants Courtney Robertson and Tara Dilena, concentrated upon intellectual property and how it relates to the virtual environment of Second Life.

The 2008 International Virtual Moot was directed by Dr. Ken Shao. The Moot final was judged by Adjunct Professor Paul D. Evans (Senior Partner, Freehills), Natalie Wigg (Senior Associate, Minter Ellison) and Michael Haydon (Solicitor, Jackson McDonald). The final was contested between the University of Melbourne and Queensland University of Technology, with QUT emerging as the winner.

Moot court session (Murdoch v Bond)   Final Round Bench: (from left) Michael Haydon, , Prof. Paul D. Evans, Natalie Wigg.