By Maria Wilkinson
The Jessup Moot Court Competition stands as a pinnacle in the realm of legal education and advocacy. It offers law students a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of international law through a simulated courtroom experience. Each year, law schools from around the world participate in this prestigious event, vying for the chance to showcase their legal prowess on an international stage.
▲The Official Poster of Jessup 2024 Competition
At the heart of the Jessup competition lies the simulation of a fictional dispute between imaginary countries, brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. This simulation tasks participating teams with crafting detailed legal memorials, akin to real-world court briefs, outlining arguments for both the applicant and respondent sides of the case. These memorials serve as the foundation upon which teams construct their oral arguments, which they present before a panel of judges during the competition rounds.
▲One of the Moot Court Rooms for the Competition at National Taipei University
The topics chosen for the simulation are carefully curated to reflect timely issues in public international law. Known as the Compromis, this document forms the basis of the case, posing complex legal questions and dilemmas for participants to dissect and argue. Despite the fictional nature of the parties involved, the issues raised in the case often mirror real-world challenges faced by nations and individuals in the international arena, thus providing students with a platform to engage with pressing global issues.
In the 2024 edition of the competition, the Case Concerning the Sterren Forty has been shaped to explore the concept of state responsibility in preventing the deprivation of nationality and addressing statelessness. This topic highlights the critical intersection between human rights and state sovereignty, shedding light on the obligations of states to protect the rights of individuals within their jurisdiction.
▲Judges at the End of One Round
In Taiwan, participation in the Jessup competition begins with regional rounds to determine the school that will represent the country on the international stage. National Chengchi University (NCCU) was among the contenders in the regional round, facing off against five other esteemed universities.
▲The 2024 Jessup Competition NCCU Team
▲The Room Poster for NCCU Team
Preparing for and participating in the regional round is a rigorous endeavor that demands meticulous research, strategic planning, and effective advocacy skills. Teams must delve deep into international legal principles, crafting persuasive arguments grounded in precedent and scholarly analysis. During oral presentations, speakers must navigate the intricacies of courtroom procedure, anticipating and addressing questions from the judges with clarity and confidence.
Although NCCU did not emerge victorious in the regional round, the experience proved invaluable for the participating students. Engaging with complex legal issues and honing their advocacy skills provided them with a deeper understanding of the role of international law in shaping global affairs. Moreover, the competition underscored the importance of providing a platform for marginalized voices to be heard and represented within the international legal framework.
In essence, the Jessup Moot Court Competition serves as a testament to the power of legal education in fostering critical thinking, advocacy skills, and global awareness among aspiring legal professionals. By grappling with complex legal dilemmas and engaging in spirited debate, participants emerge not only as better advocates but also as informed global citizens committed to upholding the principles of justice and equality on the world stage.
Beyond its educational value, the competition also serves as a forum for networking and collaboration among legal scholars, practitioners, and students from diverse backgrounds. Participants have the opportunity to interact with esteemed judges and legal experts, gaining insights and perspectives that enrich their understanding of international law and its implications for global governance.
The Jessup competition contributes to the development of international law as a dynamic and evolving field. The arguments and insights generated during the competition often inform ongoing debates and shape the trajectory of legal scholarship and practice. In this way, the competition serves as a catalyst for innovation and progress within the realm of international law. Through rigorous preparation, spirited debate, and meaningful engagement with the principles of international law, participants emerge not only as better advocates but also as informed global citizens committed to promoting justice and equality in an increasingly interconnected world. Students who are interested in International Law with some background in Law are encouraged to join next year’s NCCU team as a team member or coach.
▲Team With Certificates of Participation on the last day of the Competition
More on OIC connect no.93:
A Starter Pack to the Lunar New Year
The Old and the New Religious Ways: Interview With Professor Gao Chen-Hung
Jasmine Wu: A Student's Voice at COP28
New Student Guide: Addressing concerns adjusting to life in Taiwan
“You’re Not From Here, But Not A Tourist”: Living As A Foreign Exchange Student In Taiwan
