University of Cologne

A moot court is a simulation of a court case. You take the role of both sides, the applicant and the respondent, and defend each side in a memorial and in a pleading. Even though it is a fictional case, actual proceedings and much-discussed problems are often reflected in the facts of the case, which must be dealt with.

With a moot court in the field of human rights, you choose a topic that is politically and socially highly relevant and combines these two dimensions with legally exciting questions. You will not only learn something for your studies, but you will also improve your English and rhetorical skills. In addition, you will learn how to write a memorial and research literature and case law.

Basically, the moot court will take place over the entire winter semester 2022/23. Since working on a moot court takes a lot of time, we recommend that you do not take any other obligatory courses besides.

The case of the HPMCC will be published in September 2022. Then, over the next three months, you will draft your memorials for both, the applicant and the respondent. This phase is about researching and evaluating literature and case law. Developing arguments and embedding them in a coherent argumentation structure, as well as working together as a team to develop and convincingly present solutions to problems that have not yet been solved.

The first part of the moot court has been completed just in time for the turn of the year. From now on, you will prepare intensively for the oral pleadings – you will write your pleadings, practice your rhetorical skills and have the opportunity to get to know experienced practitioners in the field of human rights protection in numerous test hearings.

Before going to Strasbourg, you will have to defend the interests of your applicant and respondent in the Regional Round. There you can test your skills and knowledge in front of a number of experts. In addition, you will get to know the teams of the other universities and get first hints on how they solved the case.

Once the Regional Round is over and you have qualified for the Final Round, you will travel to Strasbourg. There, in addition to a social program, the grand finale awaits you! As a jury, judges of the European Court of Human Rights will hear and evaluate your arguments. As a prize for the winning team, internships at the ECtHR will be awarded.

For more information, check out the HPMCC website at https://helgapedersenmoot.elsa.org.  

You are interested in (and at best have previous knowledge of) European human rights protection and international law?!

You are looking for a change from your daily study routine?!

You enjoy familiarizing yourself with unfamiliar subjects for a whole semester and are enthusiastic about new challenges?!

You want to meet international students, practitioners and judges?!

You are ready to work in a team and to work together towards a common goal?!

You want to improve your rhetorical and English skills?!