This is your Last Resort!
The GħSL academic committee constantly thinks of new, innovative ideas in order to push the boundaries of legal study outside the classroom. We are firm believers that the best form of learning is by doing, and moot courts are a great practical exercise in order to give students an edge on their studies.
Malta ratified the European Convention on Human Rights in 1967. It is probably the most successful international document that provides remedies to individuals, serving as a beacon of our fundamental rights.
Upon this premise, we decided to launch ‘The Last Resort’, a moot court modelled on the European Court of Human Rights. Students are to compose themselves into groups of 2-5 participants and fight for a final chance at obtaining a remedy for their client or representing the State itself. This year’s topic shall concern the right to freedom of expression, Article 10 of the Convention. The competition shall consist of both written memorials and oral pleadings.
The Panel shall consist of 3 Judges, all of whom represented Malta as Judges on the European Court of Human Rights and are great contributors to the Maltese legal field! These are:
Judge Lorraine Schembri Orland – 2019-current
The first female judge to ever represent Malta in Strasbourg’s Court. Appointed Judge of the Superior Courts in 2012, she presided over the Civil Court with regards to matters concerning fundamental human rights.
Chief Justice Emeritus Vincent De Gaetano – 2010-2019
Appointed Judge of the Superior Courts in 1994, he mainly presided over criminal matters. In 2002 he was appointed Chief Justice and President of the Constitutional Court.
Judge Giovanni Bonello – 1998-2010
Before leaving for Strasbourg, he was an advocate specializing in constitutional and human rights litigation, defending 170 human rights lawsuits before local and international courts.
The Competition shall be held on the 17th of December at the National Law Courts in Valletta.
Apply now through: https://forms.gle/zfkckPwFDajiYUW58
See you there!
