Global law firm White & Case LLP has announced that 580 teams in 93 jurisdictions are registered to participate in the 2023 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition – with most qualifying tournaments and the White & Case International Rounds taking place in person for the first time since 2019.
2023 Jessup marks a number of firsts—including a team from Mongolia participating for the first time and the largest national round ever taking place in China, with 57 teams. Sixty-four regional rounds will take place around the world—the most ever—with rounds happening for the first time in Macau SAR and Zambia.
"We are so excited that this year's Jessup competition is back in person," said Melissa Butler, London partner and Global Citizenship Chair. "We have been impressed by the students' enthusiasm and engagement during COVID, but after two years of participating virtually, being in person will re-energize the students, coaches, judges and entire Jessup community."
The competition, administered by the International Law Students Association (ILSA), requires students to present oral and written arguments on a hypothetical international law case before a simulated International Court of Justice (ICJ).
This year's hypothetical case concerns the interpretation of a peace treaty, deadly attacks in allegedly occupied territory, unilateral economic sanctions, and the legal consequences of failing to dispose of hazardous waste properly.
Teams will compete in national and regional competitions to earn the right to represent their countries in April 2023 at the White & Case International Rounds in Washington, DC, where they will vie for the top prize—the Jessup World Cup.
White & Case has been a Global Partner of the Jessup since 2007 and sponsor of the
White & Case International Rounds since 2010. This year, the Firm is also supporting 14 qualifying rounds.
Below are the dates for the White & Case–sponsored rounds:
- Belgium: March 11 –12
- Brazil: March 9 –11
- Canada: February 23 – 25
- China: February 24 – 28 (virtual)
- France: February 24 – 25
- Georgia: February 4
- Hong Kong, China: March 11 – 12
- Japan: February 18 – 19
- Mexico: March 6 – 10
- South Africa: March 4-5
- Turkey: March 11 – 12
- United Kingdom: February 17 – 19
- United States, New York: March 9 – 12
- United States, Washington, DC: February 23 – 26
- White & Case Jessup International Rounds: April 8 – 15
The importance and scope of the Jessup are portrayed in an award-winning feature-length documentary film, ALL RISE: Journeys to a Just World. The film follows seven law students on their journey through the Jessup season. ALL RISE, which premiered at the United Nations, was selected for film festivals in the United States and the United Kingdom, and has been screened at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, the Library of Congress and a number of international law conferences. The film is available for screenings by all participating Jessup teams and administrators worldwide. For more details on the film, and to view the trailer, please visit www.allrisemovie.com.
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