Leiden University wins three awards at Telders International Law Moot Court Competition
Leiden University won the awards for Best Oral Argumentation for both the Applicant and the Respondent and Best Oralist. In addition, Leiden University ranked second overall in the competition.
The 39th edition of the prestigious Telders International Law Moot Court Competition, was held in The Hague from 19 to 21 May 2016. Leiden University was represented by Shima Abbady, Helena de Kat, Toine Rombouts and Eniko Sándor, all Master students in Leiden University’s Public International Law program. The team was coached by Dr. Daniëlla Dam-de Jong and Master student Ms. Alla Ershova.
This year’s case, ‘The Interception in the Vinous Sea Dispute’, brought together different areas of international law which are often studied separately, such as freedom of navigation under the law of the sea, non‑refoulement of forced migrants, state immunity, immunity of state officials, and jurisdiction over cases of torture. The case also raised procedural questions such as standing before the Court and the principle of indispensable parties.
The final round was won by Ukraine (Respondent), pleading against Bulgaria (Applicant); and it was judged by a court consisting of H.E. Judge Donoghue (ICJ) presiding, H.E. Judge Crawford (ICJ) and H.E. Judge Gaja (ICJ).
25 Teams participated in this year’s competition. The award for Best Oralist was won by Shima Abbady.