Information on the Jessup Moot Court

Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition 2023

In the winter semester 2022/2023, Trier University will again be represented by four committed students at the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court. The team will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Birgit Peters, Anastasia Krafft and Linda Steinebach.

Once again, the students will have to deal with highly complex and topical issues of international law. This year, the topics are the interpretation of a peace agreement, hostilities in occupied territories, legal consequences of improper disposal of toxic waste and economic sanctions.

We wish the Jessup team from the University of Trier every success!

Moot Court Team 2002/2023

Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition 2022

In the winter semester 2021/2022, after a long break, the Trier University was again represented by a team at the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court. Anastasia Krafft from the Chair of Public Law, in particular International and European Law, was in charge of the team.

The Jessup Moot Court simulates a trial before the International Court of Justice of the United Nations, in which each team represents the interests of the disputing states once from the plaintiff's perspective and once from the defendant's perspective. Each year, an exciting case on highly topical issues is dealt with. This time, the participants had to deal with questions on election interference by another state, human rights on the internet, data theft and secession.

We congratulate the Trier team and sincerely thank the students for their commitment and great cooperation!

Jessup Team 2021

FAQ Moot Court

What is a moot court anyway?

A moot court is a court simulation in which students can take on the role of party representatives. Usually, a fictitious case is presented and the students have to work on it in teams. Depending on the size of the moot court, supervisors are provided by the department to guide the teams. At larger moot courts, such as Jessup, teams from many universities around the world compete in a round-based system. The performance is evaluated by a bench of judges, professors or lawyers.

So what is the Jessup Moot Court?

The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court, as it is called in full, is not only the oldest moot court, but also the largest - over 700 universities from over 90 countries send their teams! You're stepping onto the big stage here, so to speak, but that's what makes this experience so special. The Jessup simulates a trial before the International Court of Justice of the United Nations, in which each team represents the interests of the disputing states once from the plaintiff's point of view and once from the defendant's point of view. In the first step, briefs are written for each of the sides, and then the task is to convince the bench in oral pleadings with coherent argumentation and rhetorical skills.

Why should one participate in a moot court?

On the one hand, the moot court is the first opportunity for students to put themselves in the shoes of a party to a case. This is a valuable first glimpse of the time after the first exam and gives a first insight into the everyday life of a lawyer. Independent legal argumentation, the writing of well-structured complex pleadings, convincing rhetoric and repartee are practised. On the one hand, this makes a moot court much easier for the later transition into the profession, and on the other hand, you get to know a lot of people from different countries and universities through participation - so you can already build up a network during your studies. The opportunity to network and the experiences you gain during the event put you one step ahead. Last but not least, you improve your English and practice teamwork skills. Finally, it is an unforgettable experience that also enhances one's CV immensely. In summary, you can't go wrong, and it's definitely worth participating!

When will the next Moot Court take place?

The Jessup is an annual event that is announced in the spring/summer of each year. From time to time, however, other departments within our university organise smaller moot courts. Please check either the professorship or the "News" section above!

Do you have any further questions or would you like to register?

Just send us an email and we will get back to you.