2008 Woodie Awards
Harvard sweeps regionals in Jessup Moot Court Competition for seventh year in a row
Adina Levine
Issue date: 3/3/05 Section: News
"The real preparation started in December-January, when we began writing the memorials," explained Gaston, the team's legal researcher who became involved in Moot Court because of her interest in nuclear safety and security issues. "February was pretty intense in terms of practicing the arguments and drilling the legal issues."
The case is about a pirate attack that leads to an accident where the carrier leaks its nuclear waste cargo. The case is argued before the International Court of Justice on claims of liability for clean up, the ship and its cargo, and the environmental effects of the spillage.
"I have a deep interest in human rights and international law," asserted Torres. "When I heard about the competition as a 1L, I thought it was a great way to develop orating skills while delving into the realm of public international law."
"In many respects it invited discussion of various current topics, such as the attribution of criminal acts of individuals to states that might have done more to prevent such things from happening, as in the context of terrorism," Jacob commented. "Besides state responsibility, environmental law and the transportation of radioactive materials through archipelagic waters were also central to the case."
During the competition each team argues against an opposing team before a three-judge panel meant to resemble the International Court of Justice. Each side is given 45 minutes to argue, with two oralists from each team presenting their case.
"I learned lots about the ICJ," Gaston asserted, "which should be relevant since I want to go into international law."
Many of the team members are interested in international law, but the skills from moot court competition can apply to other forms of law.
"I am interested in international law and I thought Jessup was a unique opportunity to practice 'litigating' non-domestic issues," asserted Rebouche. "Because it's a global competition, Jessup is also a chance to meet participants from other countries."
The case is about a pirate attack that leads to an accident where the carrier leaks its nuclear waste cargo. The case is argued before the International Court of Justice on claims of liability for clean up, the ship and its cargo, and the environmental effects of the spillage.
"I have a deep interest in human rights and international law," asserted Torres. "When I heard about the competition as a 1L, I thought it was a great way to develop orating skills while delving into the realm of public international law."
"In many respects it invited discussion of various current topics, such as the attribution of criminal acts of individuals to states that might have done more to prevent such things from happening, as in the context of terrorism," Jacob commented. "Besides state responsibility, environmental law and the transportation of radioactive materials through archipelagic waters were also central to the case."
During the competition each team argues against an opposing team before a three-judge panel meant to resemble the International Court of Justice. Each side is given 45 minutes to argue, with two oralists from each team presenting their case.
"I learned lots about the ICJ," Gaston asserted, "which should be relevant since I want to go into international law."
Many of the team members are interested in international law, but the skills from moot court competition can apply to other forms of law.
"I am interested in international law and I thought Jessup was a unique opportunity to practice 'litigating' non-domestic issues," asserted Rebouche. "Because it's a global competition, Jessup is also a chance to meet participants from other countries."