AUPP/UA Dual Degree Law Students to Compete in 2021 Jessup Moot Court

MARCH 2021 EVENT UPDATE (from Facebook):

Congratulations to the AUPP Philip C. Jessup International Law moot court team who competed in the 2021 India & Asia Regional Virtual Rounds on February 27. These students are all part of the University of Arizona Law Dual Degree program. The Team will compete again in the Global Virtual Rounds on March 15-26. We are proud of the AUPP Jessup Team!

American University of Phnom Penh is our #Microcampus partner in Cambodia. Students can enroll in UArizona undergraduate and dual degree programs through AUPP.

Five outstanding law students in the American University of Phnom Penh/University of Arizona Dual Degree Law Program are competing in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court competition, scheduled for Spring 2021. The team representing AUPP consists of Linna Pen (Captain), Malen Leng (Competitor), Pichpanharaksmey Kry (Competitor), Bunheng In (Competitor), and Oudomvichea Kouch (Competitor).

Considered the world’s largest moot court competition, the Jessup is a simulation of a fictional dispute between countries before the International Court of Justice, the judicial organ of the United Nations. One team from every eligible school is allowed to participate. Teams prepare oral and written pleadings arguing both the applicant and respondent positions of the case.

The 2021 Competition will address the problem described in the International Court of Justice document “Case Concerning the J-VID-18 Pandemic” United Republic of Aprepluya v. Democratic State of Ranovstayo. Learn about the topics, competitors, and results of previous Jessup competitions here.

The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition is the world’s largest moot court competition, with participants from roughly 700 law schools in 100 countries and jurisdictions. The Competition, held every year since 1960, is judged by an elite corps of volunteer attorneys. Teams compete against one another through the presentation of oral and written pleadings to address timely issues of public international law in the context of a hypothetical legal dispute between nations.

The International Law Students Association (ILSA) is the home of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. As a non-profit association of students and lawyers who are dedicated to the promotion of international law, ILSA provides students with opportunities to study, research, and network in the international legal arena. The organization's activities include academic conferences, publications, the global coordination of student organizations, and the administration of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition.

The Dual Degree Bachelor of Arts in Law degree – a first-of-its-kind program – allows students to simultaneously earn two undergraduate degrees in Law, one from AUPP and one from UA. The dual degree program offers rigorous training in country-specific legal systems, the U.S. legal system, and international economic law. Students receive instruction in civil and criminal procedure, contracts, and torts – and take courses in evidence, legal research, and lawyering skills. Dual degree law students are prepared to work in the legal field for both domestic and international organizations, companies, and firms, and may go on to pursue a JD or LLM degree. Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts, Dual Degree in Law.

From the AUPP article, published November 13, 2020:

Dr. Sothie Keo, Adjunct AUPP Law Professor, will be coaching and supporting the five students to meet all of the criteria from oral to written pleadings, to address timely issues of public international law in the context of a hypothetical legal dispute between nations.

“Our students who are competing in Jessup receive valuable experience. These students in a period of about nine months undergo the rigors of legal representation for States under international law. They master old international law cases and argue new legal principles. They conduct extensive legal research into history and international law, and they learn to draft and express their arguments in a professional, clear, and concise manner. Once the writing stage is completed, they must learn the art of oral advocacy. The students learn to quickly think on their feet, correctly cite authorities, and eloquently and properly address the Court, while maintaining composure and confidence. In addition to receiving all of this fantastic legal experience, I know that law firms and government institutions in Cambodia look fondly upon the Jessup experience”, said Dr. Sothie. He also added, “It has been wonderful to be able to mentor these excellent law students and be part of their growth and journey.”

“The Jessup will undoubtedly provide you with skills necessary to become a great lawyer, but it is the Jessup’s teaching of reason, civility, empathy, compromise and respect for others which will make up a better person and the world a better place”, said Mark Luz, the Chair of the Board of Directors of the International Law Students Association.

Background for this article was originally published here, on the AUPP website.