Jessup Moot Court

The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot CourtExternal link is the oldest, largest and most prestigious moot court in the world. Founded in 1959 by students from Harvard University, Columbia University and the University of Virginia, it has grown into a global competition with over 550 participating universities from more than 80 countries. The Jessup is organised by the International Law Students AssociationExternal link (ILSA) and takes place annually in Washington, D.C.

The competition, which is held entirely in English, begins in September with the publication of the facts of the case. It always involves a dispute between two fictitious states and raises a range of public international law issues. The dispute is argued within the procedural framework of the International Court of JusticeExternal link (ICJ), the judicial organ of the United Nations.

Between September and January, teams draft their written pleadings (memorials) for both the applicant and the respondent. Participants then prepare intensively for the German National Rounds (GNR), which take place in February/March. The top three teams at the GNR travel to Washington, D.C., to represent Germany at the International Rounds. Students make their arguments in front of a bench of prominent legal scholars and practitioners, often including current and former judges of the ICJ.

More than 20 German universities take part in the GNR and, together with the University of Heidelberg, FSU Jena is the most successful German Jessup participant ever. Since its first participation in 1998, Jena has won the National Rounds five times and has participated in the International Rounds nine times. At the International Rounds, Jena teams have made it to the top 32 at the International Rounds several times, out of more than 120 teams worldwide.

Participation in the Philip C. Jessup Moot Court offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of international law during a semester off from regular coursework. Supported by experienced coaches, participants can develop their legal and linguistic skills in a focused manner and build valuable contacts within the Jessup community.

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