International Humanitarian Law Mooting Competition
Heal the world, make it a better place,
For you and for me and the entire human race...
In order to heed the call of MJ, make the world a better place and take part in the LSS International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Mooting Competition! It’s back after a few years out of the competitions line up for the simple reason that it is now more relevant than ever.
For you budding lawyers wanting to save the world in a slightly less Justice League[1] way, this is your chance to show legal flair and concern for protecting people who are caught in the middle of war. Not only will it look good on your CV, but it should definitely help if Ban Ki-moon needs your expertise on legal issues.
What is the International Humanitarian Law Moot?
The International Humanitarian Law Moot requires each team to present an oral submission to a mock international tribunal.
What is IHL?
‘International Humanitarian Law is a set of rules which seek, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the effects of armed conflict. It protects persons who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare.’[2]
How does it differ to your standard moot?
Teams (of only 2 competitors) present an oral submission which relates to an area of international humanitarian law. Also, the same problem is used for each round and will be released a week prior to the moot.
How to sign up?
To sign up send this IHL application form to applyforcomps@gmail.com before 5 pm April 1.
What else?
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As for standard mooting, teams must submit a Memorandum of Argument prior to their moot (see the Mooting section of this guidebook for details)
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The appropriate court etiquette must be abided by
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The grand final victors will get the prestigious opportunity of representing The University of Melbourne at the ALSA Conference, and compete against other universities.
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You need not necessarily have studied International Humanitarian Law to compete, but you do need to be able to interpret the Geneva Conventions
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Some possible sources of preliminary information about International Humanitarian Law can be found at:
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International Committee of the Red Cross: www.icrc.org
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Australian Red Cross – International Humanitarian Law Unit: www.redcross.org.au/ihl
Important Links:
2007 LSS IHL Sample Mooting Problem
It’s saving the world. Lawyer style. So, as Starksy would say: ‘do it!’
Contact details:
Coordinator: Lyndal Ablett
Email Address: lss-ihlmoot@unimelb.edu.au
[1] For those who are not aware, Justice League is a cartoon on the trials and tribulations of a superhero team (Wonder Woman, Batman, Superman etc), who, you guessed it, go around saving the world.
[2] International Committee of the Red Cross, ‘What is International Humanitarian Law?’ (Fact Seet, 31 July 2004). A soft copy can be accessed from: http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/html/humanitarian-law-factsheet