Please note that the following description of the course is only provisional and therefore subject to change.
Admission requirements
This course requires basic knowledge of public international law.
Description
The course Moot Court LLC Public International Law offers students skills training in research, analysis, legal writing and advocacy through the participation in an international law litigation simulation.
Since 1992 Leiden University has an extensive and successful Moot Court programme. All law students in Leiden have to complete a compulsory Moot Court course in civil law, criminal law, administrative law, European law or public international law. It is one of the few courses directed to obtain skills essential for lawyers: tackling legal problems in a structured way. The course includes a library instruction, lectures in argumentation, writing assignments, presentation skills training and concludes with a Moot Court session.
The course Moot Court LLC Public International Law is intended for exchange students studying in Leiden and offers students an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of a particular issue in international law. The case problem distributed to the students presents a hypothetical lawsuit between two countries before the International Court of Justice. Issues can include the use of force, diplomatic and consular relations, international human rights, environmental law, state responsibility and law of the sea. The course serves as an excellent preparation for a Moot Court competition in any field of law.
Course objectives
Objectives of the course
Students will learn to present a well-structured argument, both in writing and orally.
Achievement levels
The following achievement levels apply with regard to the course:
The student is able to write a memo concerning a specific legal question.
The student is able to make a persuasive oral presentation before a panel of three judges/practitioners/experts.
Timetable
The timetable of this course can be found in uSis.
The course includes 3 plenary sessions on Thursday/Friday. Tutorials will be on Thursday/Friday.
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Number of (2 hour) lectures: 3
Names of lecturers: Ms. E. Kentin
Required preparation by students: to be announced
Tutorials
Number of (1/2 hour) tutorials: 3
Names of instructors: Ms. E. Kentin
Required preparation by students: writing assignments
Other methods of instruction
Description: Presentation skills training
Number of (2 hour) instructions: 5
Names of instructors: to be announced
Required preparation by students: instructions in the syllabus
Assessment method
Examination form(s)
Writing assignments: list of arguments, memorial, memorandum of oral pleading
Oral exam: presentation before a Moot Court of three judges.
Submission procedures
Upload via Blackboard. See further syllabus.
Areas to be tested within the exam
General knowledge of and case specific knowledge of international law. Writing, presentation and argumentation skills.
Blackboard
More information on this course is offered in Blackboard.
Reading list
Obligatory course materials
Literature:
- SI Strong, How to write law essays and exams (3rd edn, OUP, 2010)
Course information guide:
- See syllabus and Blackboard.
Syllabus:
- Available at readeronline.nl
Recommended course materials
- Available on Blackboard.
Registration
Students have to register for this course through uSis.
Exchange students have priority and will be registered for the course first. Any remaining seats will be available for students from Leiden University and other Dutch Universities.
Contact information
Co-ordinator: Ms. Esther Kentin
Work address: KOG, Room A311
Contact information: Moot Court Secretariat A319.
Telephone number: 071 5275358/7841
E-mail: e.kentin@law.leidenuniv.nl
Institution/division
Institute: Institute for Interdisciplinary Study of Law
Department: Moot Court and Advocacy
Room number secretary: A319
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:00-17:00
Telephone number secretary: 071 5277841
E-mail: mootcourt@law.leidenuniv.nl
Remarks
None.