Barristers blast off to outer space debate

The Inns of Court area of London is often likened to an alternative universe - the sensation of being in alien territory compounded by the wig-sporting inhabitants who communicate in what appears to be an ancient form of English. So it comes as no surprise that Inner Temple is gearing up for a debate on the law of outer space.

Organised by the International Institute of Space Law, the Manfred Lachs Moot will take place at the University of Athens on 26-29 April, featuring teams from across Europe. Issues to be debated include the militarisation of space, the return of astronauts who have unintentionally landed in opposed countries and damage caused to space objects.

College of Law Bar Vocational Course student Will Hotham is one of the three Inner Temple members currently in training for the mission. The team is being coached by the Inn's Master of the Moots, Master Guthrie QC.

Hothman, 23, is enthusiastic about both space law, which he describes as "ripe for development", and the team's prospects of success: "I am totally optimistic about our chances of winning," he says.

The victors will compete with the winners of the Asian and North American heats at the world finals in South Korea in October.