This year, Leibniz Universität Hannover will once again be represented by a team at the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court. The Jessup Moot Court is the oldest and largest moot court in the world in the field of international law, with more than 700 universities from over 100 countries participating this year.
The Jessup Moot Court allows teams to litigate complex international law cases before a simulated International Court of Justice (ICJ). Students take on the of "Agents of the State." The Jessup is not just a competition – it is an intensive journey into the world of international law, providing the opportunity to learn and apply legal argumentation at the highest level.
Starting in September, the Jessup participants write both a claimant's and a respondent's memorandum over several months. Subsequently, the students compete against each other in oral pleadings to showcase their argumentative skills, legal precision, and rhetorical abilities. We then proceed to the national qualifying competition – this year in Trier! Successful qualification leads to the international rounds in Washington D.C., USA!
This year's team consists of five dedicated students. The applicant side features Nika Jahanafrooz, Nadja Mihajlovic, and Lou-Iza Warner. On the respondent side are Jakob Grimm, Zara Freudenberg, and also Nadja Mihajlovic. They are accompanied by their coaches Nils Ossenkopp and Méï-Lià Zoua, under the academic guidance of Prof. Dr. Jochen Rauber.
This year's Jessup case deals with a complex dispute between the fictional states of Alekostria and Restovia over the Gordian Gorge, a sacred site for the indigenous people of the Pilemonen. The focus is on issues of protecting indigenous rights, particularly free, prior, and informed consent, as well as the interpretation of international treaties. Alekostria claims that Restovia has violated its consultation and protection obligations by approving a mining project and also defends the refusal of extradition and the immunity of a state-owned mining company. Restovia, on the other hand, considers the consultations sufficient and accuses Alekostria of treaty violations in extradition law. Additionally, the case raises questions about state immunity and the possible intervention of a third state before the International Court of Justice.
The "Mooties" are looking forward to the upcoming weeks and are currently in intensive preparation and practice of their pleadings before various referees and Jessup alumni. Anyone who wants to cheer along and follow the team at the national rounds in Trier from February 18 to 21, 2026, is warmly invited to follow our team on Instagram!
Invitation to the Dress Rehearsal
You are also welcome to get a firsthand glimpse into the world of Jessup on February 13, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the Niedersachsensaal (1501.A003) when the team holds its dress rehearsal!
What is a Moot Court?
Moot Courts are simulated court hearings in which students represent the legal counsel for the parties involved in the case. The simulation involves the preparation and conducting of a trial in both legal and factual matters. These simulated sessions are typically chaired by judges from practice. Moot Courts are often organized in regional to international competitions and take place as a contest between various teams from different faculties. The Faculty of Law at Leibniz Universität Hannover also participates in numerous moot courts and organizes its own.
You can learn more here.
