You should always try to answer questions from the judge as and when they are asked. Do not tell the judge that you will get to it later - this will usually annoy the judge. Depending on the mooting rules that apply, answering questions may not be included in the speech timing, giving you plenty of chance to give the judge a full answer without worrying about the clock. If the judge has defeated your argument, then admit it. However, if you feel the judge has misunderstood the point, then it is often worth persisting, by referring the judge again to the relevant authorities and restating your point.
Some judges like to test whether the mooters can stick to their guns under pressure.
If you cannot answer a question, say so. Return to top Responding and the appellants' right to reply One thing that is often forgotten about the respondents is that it is their job to respond to the arguments of the appellants. This means that the respondents' arguments cannot be fully pre-prepared. The respondents should listen carefully to the points which the appellants are making, and then try to respond to each in turn. The respondents should spend the appellants' speeches hastily scribbling down the points they will make in response.