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Jessup International Law Moot

Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition group shot

The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot (external link)  offers law students the chance to craft written and oral submissions on intricate public international law issues. It is the oldest and largest international law moot competition. It simulates a hypothetical public international law dispute between two nations, presented before the International Court of Justice, the United Nations' judicial body. 

In March, Canadian law schools host a qualifying tournament where teams compete. The top two teams from Canada then advance to the international round held in Washington, DC.

Team Composition

  • 4 Oralists
  • 1 Researcher

Total: 5 Participants

Date Estimates

Competition Day:

  • National and Friendly Rounds: Beginning of January to End of March
  • World Championship Match: Beginning of April

Factum Due Date: Middle of January

Location: Ottawa, ON

Course Credit

Participation in the moot is recognized under the course JUR 301 Moot Court Competition, offered during the Winter semester.

Prerequisite Courses

Participants are required to have completed JUR 315 Public International Law and JUR 305 Moot and Advocacy Skills, offered in the Fall semester.

Tryout Process

Oralists qualify for the Jessup International Law Moot through the McCarthy Tétrault Cup held in May. The researcher qualifies by application in September.