International Humanitarian Law Moot 2020 IHL Moot CoOpts

International Humanitarian Law Moot 2020 IHL Moot Co-Opts: Ali Wright and Kevin Fan

What is International Humanitarian Law? IHL is the law of armed conflict - it’s human rights in a war context. It protects people, especially everyday civilians, who aren’t participating in hostilities and holds military leaders accountable for excessive destruction. Examples include prosecuting serious war crimes committed in the Yugoslav wars and the Rwandan genocide. Like much of international law, there’s a lot going on - there’s lots to grapple with in the law and facts and you won’t be running out of things to say.

What is Mooting? First of all, no mooting experience is necessary for this moot, but experienced mooters are also welcome! Mooting is mock court - for this moot we are in the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. Your teams will consist of two counsel/speakers (and a solicitor if you have three members). You will be asked to present your case to the Judge for either the Prosecution or the Defence.

What makes the IHL Moot unique? It’s an international law moot. There’s only one competition problem. You’ll get to develop your legal research as much as your mooting skills. This makes the competition as much about learning as it is about winning. Everyone starts at square 1. If you get stuck, we’ll point you in the right direction.

How will it work online? On theme, the 2020 comp will be run via Zoom In your ‘Zoom Court’ will be your team (of 2 -3), your opponents, and your judge/s Speaker presentations will go for 10 minutes, including questions from the judge

How will it work online? We hope to make online mooting as similar to the real thing as possible. To do this we will expect: ● Formal dress (i. e. a suit) ● Standing, not sitting, in front of your camera to present your moot ● Prompt arrival at your ‘Zoom Courts’

The commitment The majority of the workload will be before the first round. After the first moot, the workload lessens dramatically and the focus will shift to developing your arguments. Competitors will be required to submit a set of submissions for the prosecution and the defence in the week leading up to the first round of the competition. Each round, competitors will be required to send their revised submissions in 24 hours before they moot. Round 1 will be special. You’ll receive the problem a week before Round 1, which will give you time to research and prepare. For Round 1, you’ll be required to send in written submissions for both Prosecution and Defence.

Key dates & timing Rounds 1 -3 are group stage, no-knockout. Rounds will run on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Timing will generally be at 6. 30 pm or 7. 30 pm.

Why should I choose this comp? The IHL Moot gives you the opportunity to dip your toe into both international law and mooting in a friendly environment The single problem throughout allows you to hone your research, presentation and speaking skills without the pressure of preparing a new problem for each round The comp is complete by week 10! In time for Swot Vac!

How do I register? Registration opens on Thursday 6 August at 5 pm and will close on Sunday 9 August at 11. 59 pm. The registration link will be posted in the MULSS Competitions Facebook Group. Please register in groups of 2 -3. If you don’t have a complete team, please let us know ASAP and we’ll match you up with a team where possible. Individuals are more than welcome to message too and we will try and make up teams! Contact Details ihlmoot@mulss. com. au Kevin: 0416 332 423 Ali: 0414 419 073

Still feeling confused? Next Thursday 13 August, we’ll run an IHL workshop for registered participants. This covers: ● ● ● The basics of IHL and some good sources for you to look to What your submissions could look like How the judging will work The problem Any other questions you may have