International Moot Court 2012

The Justice Resource Center (JRC), Inc., in partnership with the Municipality of The Hague, and in conjunction with the International Bar Association (IBA-England), has developed the first International Moot Court competition for high schools.

This Moot Court took place from 12-19 February 2012.

The International Moot Court is an outgrowth of the highly-acclaimed MENTOR law firm/school partnership programme in the United States. MENTOR, created in the 1980s by lawyers, pairs major law firms with New York City public high school students. The lawyers - partners and associates - help the students prepare an appellate argument. Countless hours are spent analysing and dissecting judicial opinions, strategising and honing oral advocacy skills. The MENTOR Moot Court is held in such high esteem that judges from the Second Circuit Court of Appeals preside over the final round.

The International Moot Court was the next step. This competition afforded high school students an exceptional opportunity to argue at The Hague, to develop in-depth knowledge of the International Criminal Court, to gain a heightened respect for international law and to enjoy the opportunity to exchange ideas with students from other countries.

Programme components

During the winter of 2012, ‘city’ teams from six countries were invited to present their oral arguments at The Hague. The six countries were selected because New York-based law firms which have been involved with MENTOR for many years have satellite offices in those countries. The New York office was instrumental in helping their satellite offices learn the ropes. The law firms were expected to play a pivotal role in the programme by serving as judges for team selection, providing attorney coaches and perhaps providing financial sponsorship.

Selection process

During the first year, the selection process assembled ‘all star’ teams with specific criteria for student selection, enabling students from various socioeconomic backgrounds to participate. It is anticipated that a thriving league will develop in the future with local and national Moot Court competitions, leading to greater participation at the international level.

Child soldiers

‘Child Soldiers’ was the theme of this first competition, a timely and compelling issue. The problem was written by the International Bar Association. This afforded students and their coaches ample time to prepare for what was going to be an educational experience which is second to none. Students prepared their arguments based upon the Rules of Procedure and Evidence adopted by the Assembly of States Parties of the International Criminal Court.

Sponsorship

The Justice Resource Center, Inc. a charitable organisation, spearheaded the fundraising efforts for this project. Corporations and law firms were solicited for financial support, in various forms, including ‘naming rights’ to sponsor a student from a country to compete in the International Moot Court.

Interesting websites

• Justice Resource Center (JRC)
• Municipality of The Hague
• International Bar Association (IBA)