The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition
The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition is the world’s largest moot court competition. Participating teams take part in an imaginary dispute heard by the International Court of Justice, addressing timely issues of public international law.
Team members play advocates for the two parties involved in the dispute, writing detailed (approximately 100 pages) legal memorials and preparing oral presentations (90 minutes) on behalf of their states. Teams from over 600 law schools compete in the competition’s international rounds in Washington DC each April. This year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the international rounds will take place entirely online.
The Buchmann Faculty of Law Team began competing in the Jessup competition in 2018.
Participation qualifies as a graded academic course of 4-6 credits. In addition to the unique experience, participating in the competition contributes greatly to the students’ litigation capabilities, developing strategic, research, writing and presentation skills. The Jessup competition also provides an excellent opportunity for students to establish a professional network and connect with students from all over the world, who are likely to hold central roles in public and private sectors as well as in the academy in the future. Lastly, it is an important and prestigious experience for those students wishing to pursue an LL.M. abroad.
Adv. Mirjam Streng and Alon Melaver coach the team together with Dr. Natalie Davidson, the team’s academic advisor.