Jessup 2021

The Case Concerning the J-VID18 Pandemic

Due to the global pandemic, the Jessup 2021 Competition consisted of a single online Global Rounds involving every team.

Jessup Problem: The Case Concerning the J-VID18 Pandemic (Aprepluya v. Ranovstayo)

Topics: Public health emergencies and state responsibility; obligations under international health regulations; freedom of movement versus quarantine measures; vaccine distribution equity and access; human rights limitations during pandemics

Location: Online due to Covid-19

Date: March 9-April 18, 2021

World Champion: University of Sydney (Australia)

World Runner Up: National University of Singapore (Singapore)

Best Oralist – Championship Round (Stephen M. Schwebel Award): Bay Jia Wei, National University of Singapore (Singapore)

Championship Round Judges:

  • H.E. Peter Tomka, Judge, International Court of Justice
  • H.E. Xue Hanqin, Judge, International Court of Justice
  • H.E. Yuji Iwasawa, Judge, International Court of Justice

Problem Author(s): Peter Tzeng

Executive Director: Lesley A. Benn

Best Oralist (Preliminary Rounds): Abhishek Srivastava (National University of Singapore, Singapore)

Best Oralist (Advanced Rounds): Grace Pio (Columbia University, United States)

Best Applicant Memorial (Richard R. Baxter Award): University of Pennsylvania (United States)

Best Respondent Memorial (Richard R. Baxter Award): University of Sydney (AustralIa)

Best Memorial – Int’l. Rounds (Alona E. Evans Award): Not awarded

Best Memorial – World Regional Rounds (Hardy C. Dillard Award): Chongqing University (China) (Applicant and Respondent)

Best Applicant Side (International Rounds): University of the Philippines (Philippines)

Best Respondent Side (International Rounds): University of Sydney (Australia)

Best Applicant Memorial (International Rounds): University of Pennsylvania (United States)

Best Respondent Memorial (International Rounds): Westfaelische Wilhelms Universität Münster (Germany)

Best New Team: Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law (Bhutan)

Best New Law School: The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn (United Kingdom)

King & Spalding Spirit of the Jessup Award: Universidad Carlos III Madrid (Spain) & University of Mandalay (Myanmar)

Pamela M. Young Friend of the Jessup Award: Andrew Holmes, David Quayat, Alissa Iwaniuk, Tessa Walker, Samantha Wilson

Best National Administrator (Steven M. Schneebaum Award): Bhavna Bhatra (India) and Liliana Oliva Bernal & the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (Mexico)

White & Case Distinguished Alum Award: Brad Smith, President and Chief Legal Officer, Microsoft

Competition Statistics:

  • Number of Teams Worldwide: 560
  • Number of Countries: 87

Competition Results:

Competition Materials:

Final Round Video:

Awards Ceremony Video: