76039 Jessup International Moot

Notes

This subject is only for students who have been selected to represent UTS Law in a mooting competition, and as per the subject description, selection is via a competitive process. Students interested in mooting, are encouraged to get involved with the program run by the Law Students' Society (LSS). More info on the LSS website.

Description

This subject offers students an opportunity to participate in the 'Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition' for credit. This is the world's largest moot court competition, organised by the International Law Students Association, Washington, DC. It was established to provide law students with simulated courtroom experience in international law advocacy. Named after a United States representative to the International Court of Justice who played a key role in the formation of the International Law Commission, the first round was held in 1960 at Harvard. This competition simulates a hypothetical dispute between countries and a mock case before the International Court of Justice, the judicial organ of the United Nations. Each year a new hypothetical case, based on complex current issues of public international law, is published. The limited set of facts – concerning a dispute between the two fictional states appearing before the International Court of Justice – requires detailed research into both international and comparative law to prepare complex pleadings for both sides.

Student teams analyse the problem, conduct detailed legal research, develop legal arguments and prepare written and oral pleadings arguing both the applicant and respondent positions of the case. Teams compete against each other, presenting their submissions which are evaluated by judges based upon advocacy skills and knowledge of international law. Teams present oral submissions in four preliminary rounds in Canberra, with the top eight teams moving to the national rounds in February. The grand final is traditionally held in the High Court of Australia with two grand-finalists representing their universities in Washington D.C. each April. This subject is demanding and equivalent to a substantial research project. A team of up to five students is selected to represent UTS:Law. For information about the mooting competitions see: www.uts.edu.au/current-students/current-students-information-faculty-law/competitions-and-prizes