The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition is organized by the International Law Students Association (ILSA). First held in 1960, it is one of the largest and most prestigious advocacy moot courts in which a law student can partake with participants from roughly 700 law schools in 100 jurisdictions. Only one team is able to participate from every university and for the past few years GħSL has represented the University of Malta. The Competition consists of 3 rounds; national, friendlies and White & Case International Rounds. The Competition subject is related to public international law consisting of a fictional dispute between fictitious countries before the International Court of Justice, the judicial organ of the United Nations. Each team consisting of 2-5 members must prepare written (called ‘memorials’) and oral submissions arguing both the applicant and respondent’s case. Some of the case topics previously include but are not limited to; human rights, sovereignty over territory, seizure of assets, legality of the use of force by an international organization, jurisdictional immunities of the state, cultural property, the refugee crises and foreign election interference (https://www.ilsa.org/jessup-history/).

JESSUP 2023 is back to its original glory as this year the applicants are given the opportunity to visit Washington and take part in the reputable American Moot Court IN PERSON. GħSL is giving the opportunity to a group of students to experience this unique moot court. If you feel you are up for the challenge, take a look at our Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/3ama8l2gp

Having doubts as to whether you should participate or not? Contact our Moot Court Officer, she will be more than happy to help!