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credits

Average Course Rating

The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition is the largest and most prestigious moot court in the world. Begun in 1959, the Jessup currently attracts competitors in over 100 countries, representing well over 600 law schools on six continents. SAIS is one of the only non-law schools in the United States to field a Jessup team. The Competition is based on a fictitious legal dispute between two fictitious countries, which is presented to the International Court of Justice. The dispute generally raises four substantive issues of international law. Teams are responsible for preparing written memorials (briefs) for both sides and on all issues in the case, and to represent both sides in oral pleadings before three-judge panels at the regional level. This course exposes students to the skills and methods of legal research, analysis, and written oral advocacy. It begins with a survey of legal reasoning and institutions, and explores international law from the perspective of an advocate tasked with presenting a client’s case to a neutral adjudicator. Students will draft the two memorials for submission in mid-January, which means that there will be work to do over Winter Break. Once the briefs are filed, the next month will feature a very intense schedule of oral advocacy drills, culminating in the regional competition in mid-February. The course is counted for credit in the fall semester, although class requirements will stretch at least several weeks into the spring. Enrollment is limited to 5 students, according to Jessup rules. Second year MA ILaw students will be given preference, but all are encouraged to apply. Interested students should email saisilo@jhu.edu for application information and instructions to be sent in August.