John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition: Call for African Regional Round Organiser

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September 1, 2019

The John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition is a simulated hearing of the WTO dispute settlement system. Teams make written submissions as both complainant and respondent and then travel to one of 6 Regional Rounds (Europe, Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East) to make oral pleadings against other teams before distinguished Panellists. Teams that advance from the regional rounds compete against each other in the Final Oral Round, which takes place in Geneva with the Grand Final at the WTO Headquarters. 

The Jackson is one of the most prestigious moot court competitions in the world. The 17th edition had over 90 participating teams from over 30 countries and importantly 21 teams competed in the African Regional Round. 

The 18th edition will be launched on the 15th September 2019 with the release of the Case. ELSA is currently searching for a host for the African Regional Round which will include teams coming from the whole of the African continent, as well as WTO law practitioners, academics and representatives from the WTO serving as Panellists. In hosting the African Regional Round ELSA is proud to sponsor with the UN Economic Commission for Africa who provides valuable financial support to the teams to facilitate their participation. 

The past edition was significant for African participants because for the first time in history of the competition an African team won the competition. Students from Strathmore University in Kenya pleaded against students from Harvard University and managed to outperform them because of their long preparation and sharp legal arguments. We hope this 18th edition will continue to build on the strong role the African teams play in the overall competition. 

We are looking for hosts among universities, student associations or NGOs with an interest in international trade law and the right infrastructure to provide a successful round.  ... If you have further questions about the application, please contact the Vice President for Moot Court Competitions of ELSA International at mootcourts@elsa.org.  More information on the application process is available here. Jakub Kacerek Deputy Vice President in Charge of ELSA Moot Court Competitions Head of Organizing Committee John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition ELSA International 2019/2020