The Phillip C. Jessup International Moot Court is an appellate advocacy competition that focuses on international relations topics. The competition simulates an appeal of a trial court decision, so appellate writing and oral advocacy skills are emphasized. Students research a problem, write appellate briefs, and present oral arguments before panels of judges. Teams are required to brief both sides of the problem. There are four possible levels of competition: intra-school, regional, national, and international. Competitors receive one pass/fail credit for writing a brief and one for competing in at the regional competition.
The intra-school selection process takes place during the first few weeks of fall semester.
Once students are selected for the Mitchell Hamline team, they represent the college at the regional round. The first-place team at regionals goes on to the international round in Washington, D.C. The regional and international rounds occur in February and March, respectively.
More about the Phillip C. Jessup Moot Court
Credits
Participation is worth two (2) credits.
Coaches
Please contact Ben Koll & Nate Siems for more information.
2023-24 Competition Team
Application Deadlines
Applications will be received starting the beginning of the 2023-2024 Academic Year. Students in any program (Blended or BAM) may apply. Tryouts are set to start September 5th, 2023.
Required Submissions
Each participant is required to provide a writing sample and be prepared to give a 10-minute oral argument. Prior participants have used their 1L Summary Judgment motions or their 2L Appellate Brief, but there is no restriction on what can be submitted. Submissions should be sent to Ben Koll & Nate Siems. A tryout sign-up sheet will be provided at that time of submission.
2022-23 Preliminary Schedule
The dates and information below have been confirmed and sent out via the Jessup Competition list-serv:
- July 31, 2023
- Release of Official Jessup Rules
- August 1, 2023
- Registration opens
- September 15, 2023
- Release of the 2023 Jessup Problem
- November 17, 2023
- Deadline for registration & submission of team rosters
- January – March, 2024 (Dates TBA)
- National & Friendly Rounds
- March 30, 2024 (Dates TBA)
- International – Preliminary Rounds
- March – April 2023 (Dates TBA)
- International – Advanced Rounds
- April 2023 (Dates TBA)
- International – Elimination Rounds
- April 4, 2024
- World Championship Rounds
** More information will be posted as it becomes available.