International Moot Court Competition Features Surprise Winners

Following extensive work focused on the protection of coastal wildlife, Sara Townsend recently received her law degree from Santa Clara University School of Law. During her time at Santa Clara, Sara Townsend participated in the California Bar Student Environmental Negotiations Competition, a unique version of the moot court competitions for which law students strive to qualify. 

Moot court competitions are a longstanding tradition in the legal world, but the most recent iteration of the Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition featured a surprise finish. Among the contestants were 80 law students from universities across the globe who converged on the United Nations in Geneva to argue international law cases. 

The surprise victors turned out to be a team of undergraduates from St. Thomas University (STU), a small American college. After narrowly defeating Oxford University’s team in the semifinals, STU triumphed over the University of Buenos Aires to complete the stunning upset. According to CBC news, the team’s success earned each member a scholarship to attend an academy focused on human rights at Lucerne University in Switzerland.

The Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Pilates

Recent Santa Clara University law school graduate Sara Townsend practices Pilates in her free time, a routine which not only strengthens the body, but can create energy and help clear the mind. One of many seeing its potential, Sara Townsend finds tranquility and escape in this ever-growing fitness regimen.

The positive physical effects of Pilates are numerous, ranging from increased muscle tone and a healthier nervous system to better posture and increased flexibility. While much of the focus of Pilates is on the core of the body, it can greatly relieve back pain by stabilizing the lower back region, after practice for only a few short weeks. 

Mentally and emotionally, Pilates has a powerful effect on stress and anxiety by relaxing the muscles through gentle stretching, and metabolizing those stress hormones by the cardio portion of the exercises. Endorphins released during this period will also improve one’s mood and contribute to creativity. 

Some of the scientifically proven effects of Pilates include better sleep, reduced negative emotions, lower blood pressure, and improved cardiovascular health.