Jessup is the world's largest moot court competition, with participants from roughly 700 law schools in 100 countries and jurisdictions. The Competition is a simulation of a fictional dispute between countries before the International Court of Justice, the judicial organ of the United Nations. One team is allowed to participate from every eligible school. Teams prepare oral and written pleadings arguing both the applicant and respondent positions of the case.
The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition is an advocacy competition for law students. Teams of law students compete against one another through the presentation of oral and written pleadings to address timely issues of public international law in the context of a hypothetical legal dispute between nations. The Compromis is the springboard for the Jessup Competition. Written by leading scholars of international law, the Compromis is a compilation of agreed upon facts about the dispute that is submitted for adjudication to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the primary judicial organ of the United Nations. After the Compromis is released, students begin researching and preparing arguments for both sides of the dispute, drafting and editing written pleadings, called “memorials,” and practicing oral presentations. Each team prepares two written memorials and two 45-minute oral presentations, one for each party to the dispute (the “Applicant” and the “Respondent”). Teams argue alternately as Applicant and Respondent against competing teams before a panel of judges, simulating a proceeding before the International Court of Justice.
The Jessup is one of those incredibly rare experiences that transcends law school and impacts your life for decades thereafter. It will undoubtedly provide you with the skills necessary to become a great lawyer, but it is the Jessup competition’s teaching of reason, civility, empathy, compromise and respect for others which will make you a better person and the world a better place.- Mark Luz
Whether you are a student, lawyer, law firm or simply a friend of the Jessup, find out how you can get involved with the competition. Competitors, judges, volunteers, and sponsors are all an essential part of the success of the Jessup Competition.
COMPETITORS
Students pursuing a law degree or a degree related to international law at an eligible school may compete on behalf of that school so long as they are enrolled at least part-time and have not engaged in the practice of law after graduating from another law degree program.
JUDGES
The Jessup Competition is judged by an elite corps of volunteer attorneys. Judges are needed at all levels of the Competition (National and Global) to evaluate and score the written and oral pleadings of the competitors.
ADMINISTRATORS
Each year, the Jessup National Rounds take place in more than 50 countries thanks to the hard work of our volunteer administrators. Administrators organize the rounds and communicate with the teams in their country.
SPONSORS
The Jessup wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Learn more about how your firm or organization can support the work of the Jessup to promote international law in 100 countries.
Jessup Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated 2 October 2024
- I. GENERAL INFORMATION
- II. THE JESSUP COMPETITION AND ILSA
- III. ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
- IV: REGISTERING FOR THE JESSUP COMPETITION
- V. COMPETITION FORMAT
- VI. PREPARING FOR THE COMPETITION
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
II. THE JESSUP COMPETITION AND ILSA
You can also watch our videos on YouTube.
III. ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
IV: REGISTERING FOR THE JESSUP COMPETITION
V. COMPETITION FORMAT
VI. PREPARING FOR THE COMPETITION
Jessup 2025
What is the Jessup?
Jessup is the world's largest moot court competition, with participants from roughly 700 law schools in 100 countries and jurisdictions. The Competition is a simulation of a fictional dispute between countries before the International Court of Justice, the judicial organ of the United Nations. One team is allowed to participate from every eligible school. Teams prepare oral and written pleadings arguing both the applicant and respondent positions of the case.
Jessup 2025: The Case Concerning the Naegea Sea
The Jessup 2025 Problem presents the following issues: (1) the rights and obligations of other members of the international community when two persons claim to be the legitimate president of a state; (2) invocation of immunity for government officials accused of grave violations of human rights; (3) the legal consequences of receding coastlines for the maritime zones of coastal states; and (4) the interpretation of the compromissory clause in a treaty creating a regional organization.
Select the category below that best describes you to learn more
Rules
- Jessup 2025 Official Rules (pdf)
- Important Reminders & Summary of Changes to the Jessup 2025 Official Rules (pdf)
Rule Supplements
Rule Supplements will be posted on a rolling basis as they are approved.
Official Schedule
Updated 26 July 2024
26 July 2024 | RELEASE of Official Jessup Rules
National Rules Supplements will be posted as they become available.
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2 August 2024 | TEAM REGISTRATION OPENS |
16 September 2024 | ANTICIPATED RELEASE of the Jessup Problem |
30 September 2024 | Launch of Basic Materials
All Basic Materials will be posted to the ILSA’s website, and materials will be added from time to time over the course of the Jessup season. Teams are encouraged to continue checking the Basic Materials webpage for updates.
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15 October 2024 | DEADLINE for Requests from Teams for Corrections and Clarifications to the Jessup Problem
Requests must be submitted through the online form found on your Team’s Home Page.
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8 November 2024 | DEADLINE for Eligibility Inquiries
This is the last day on which individuals may request the Executive Office’s special permission to compete under Official Rule 2.4.
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18 November 2024 | ANTICIPATED RELEASE DATE of Corrections and Clarifications to the Jessup Problem |
22 November 2024 | DEADLINE for Registration
(Online Form and Payment) for all Teams.
DEADLINE for Submission of Team Roster This is the last day on which teams may submit the names of their team members and advisors.
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14 January 2025 | DEADLINE for Submission of Memorials
If a Team fails to submit its Applicant and Respondent Memorials by this day, the Team will be disqualified from the Competition. Memorials must be submitted to the Executive Office in accordance with the Official Rules. A National Supplement to the Official Rules may impose additional submission requirements. It is the responsibility of teams to understand the submission requirements of the Official Rules and of their National Rules Supplement, if any, which are posted on ILSA’s website.
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January – March 2025 | NATIONAL & FRIENDLY ROUNDS
Teams from jurisdictions with more than one team registered must take part in Qualifying Rounds. National and Friendly Rounds may take place virtually or in-person. Advancing Teams will go on to compete in the White & Case International Rounds.
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29 March 2025 | WHITE & CASE INTERNATIONAL ROUNDS OPENING CEREMONY |
5 April 2025 | WHITE & CASE JESSUP CUP – WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH |
National and Friendly Rounds Schedule
The dates for all Jessup 2025 National, Regional, and Friendly Rounds as well as Jessup Trainings will be updated on a rolling basis.
National, Regional, and Friendly Competitions without information will be updated on a rolling basis as details are finalized. Additional National or Friendly Rounds may be added over the course of several weeks based on Jessup Team registration. Questions can be sent to [email protected].
National, Regional, and Friendly Rounds
Jurisdiction | Administrator | Dates | Format/Location | Rules Supplement | |
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Afghanistan | Ramin Mansoory | 24-26 Jan | Rules Supplement | ||
Argentina | Argentina Jessup Committee | 21-22 Feb | |||
Armenia | Madlen Mahlamyan | ||||
Australia | Andrew Ray & Anthony Cassimatis | 4-8 Feb | Canberra | ||
Azerbaijan | Mehri Guliyeva | ||||
Bangladesh | K M Ashbarul Bari & Arifa Chowdhury | 6-8 Feb | |||
Belarus | Victoria Mitskevich | ||||
Belgium | Gaby Barnett | ||||
Brazil | Thais Neves Website |
20-22 Feb | Instituto Brasileiro de Ensino, Desenvolvimento e Pesquisa (IDP) Brasilia - DF |
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Bulgaria | Kostadin Obretenov | 14-16 Feb | Supreme Court of Cassation of Bulgaria | ||
Cambodia | Committee of Cambodian Jessup Coaches | 21-22 Feb | |||
Canada | Maggie MacDonald | 20-22 Feb | Ottawa Marriott Hotel Ottawa, ON |
Rules Supplement | |
Caribbean Friendly | Jessica Zouetr | ||||
Central Asia Friendly | Salim Yusupov | 15-17 Feb | American University of Central Asia Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan |
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Chile | Gustav Jacob | ||||
China | Lijiang Zhu | 15-18 Feb | China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL) Beijing |
Rules Supplement | |
Chinese Taipei | Wendy Ho | 14-16 Feb | National Taipei University College of Law | ||
Colombia | Camilo José Castro | 20-22 Feb | Universidad Externado de Colombia Bogota |
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Dominican Republic | Jose Luis Almanzar | ||||
Egypt | Nada Hesham | ||||
Ethiopia | Elias Nour | 1-2 Feb | Center for Law in Sustainable Development (CLiSD) St. Mary's University |
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European Friendly | Roxanna Nazari | 27 Feb-1 Mar | Offices of Uría Menéndez Madrid, Spain |
Rules Supplement | |
Finland | Roxanna Nazari | 27 Feb-1 Mar | Offices of Uría Menéndez Madrid, Spain |
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France | Elise Roussel & Damien Charlotin | 28 Feb-1 Mar | White & Case 19 Pl. Vendôme 75001 Paris |
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Georgia | Ana Jabauri | 31 Jan-1 Feb | |||
Germany | Adrian Schildheuer | 19-22 Feb | University Leipzig | ||
Ghana | Abena Achiaa Otuo | 27-31 Jan | Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) | ||
Greece | Christos Zois | 1 Mar | Aristotle University Thessaloniki Law School | ||
Guatemala | Juan Pablo Hernandez Paez | ||||
Gulf Friendly | |||||
Hong Kong China | Sakinah Sat | 2 Mar | |||
Hungary | 3 Feb | ||||
India | Bhavna Batra | 12-15 Feb | Amity Law School, Noida | Rules Supplement | |
Indonesia | Demi Narendra Soegandhi | Virtual Prelims 1-2 Feb In-Person Advanced Rounds 15 Feb |
Universitas Indonesia | ||
Iran | Ali Masoudian | ||||
Iraq | Sherwan Fatah | 10-13 Feb | Erbil | Rules Supplement | |
Ireland | ILSA | 15 Feb | Law Society of Ireland | ||
Italy | Agnese Pizzola | 5-8 Feb | Universita degli Studi di Bologna | Rules Supplement | |
Jamaica | Marc Ramsay | ||||
Japan | Dr. Shotaro Hamamoto | 14-16 Feb | Kyoto University | ||
Kazakhstan | Salim Yusupov | 15-17 Feb | American University of Central Asia Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan |
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Kenya | Dominic Ndungu | 7-8 Feb | |||
Kuwait | Hanna Abdullah Alebrahim | Kuwait International Law School | |||
Kyrgyzstan | Salim Yusupov | 15-17 Feb | American University of Central Asia Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan |
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Latin American Friendly | Claudia Caceres | 10-16 Mar | Online | Rules Supplement | |
Malaysia | Fatimawati binti Ismail | 22-23 Feb | International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) | ||
Mexico | María José Buerba | 17-21 Feb | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores) Av. Juarez 20, Colonia Centro Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06010 Ciudad de México, CDMX |
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Nepal | Ojaswee Bhattarai | Kathmandu | |||
Netherlands | Pauline Melin | 30-31 Jan | Maastricht University Faculty of Law Bouillonstraat 1-3 6211 LH Maastricht |
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Nigeria | Prince Ulame & Ofure Efeovbokhan | 21-22 Feb | Online | ||
North Macedonia | |||||
Oman | Muhammad Shairyar | ||||
Pakistan | Fazeel Hyder Chohan | 24-26 Jan | Indus College of Law Hyderabad |
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Philippines | Enrique Dela Cruz | 28 Feb-2 Mar | University of Santo Tomas Manila |
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Poland | Joanna Polatynska | 10-13 Feb | |||
RJT | Evgeniya Neverova | 3-9 Feb | MGIMO University Moscow |
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Romania | ILSA | 28 Mar | Washington, DC | ||
Saudi Arabia | Misbah Saboohi | 12-13 Feb | Prince Sultan University Riyadh |
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Sierra Leone | Karina Gbakie | 30-31 Jan | Fourah Bay College | ||
South Africa | Roxanna Nazari | 13-15 Feb | University of the Western Cape | Rules Supplement | |
South Korea | Hyeyoung Lee | ||||
Spain | Nour Yazbeck Moell | 18-20 Feb | Cuatrecasas Madrid office Calle de Almagro, 9, Chamberí, 28010 |
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Tanzania | April Ernest | 25 Jan | |||
Thailand | International Law Association of Thailand | 22 Feb | |||
Trinidad & Tobago | Jessica Zouetr | ||||
Tunisia | Meriem Agrebi | 20-22 Feb | |||
Türkiye | Tibet Seheri & Selin Ulger | ||||
Uganda | Brian Kiira | 17-18 Jan | Cavendish University School of Law | Rules Supplement | |
Ukraine | Anna Particha & Anastasiia Kyiashko | 31 Jan-2 Feb | Kyiv | Rules Supplement | |
United Arab Emirates | Ali Masoudian | 24-25 Feb | American University in the Emirates (AUE) | ||
United Kingdom | Andrew Holmes | 21-23 Feb | Rules Supplement | ||
United States - East* | Jenny Englander | 26 Feb-2 Mar | Hilton Charlotte University Place Charlotte, NC |
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United States - West* | Dagmar Butte | 19-23 Feb | Hilton Portland Downtown Portland, OR |
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Uzbekistan | Salim Yusupov | 15-17 Feb | American University of Central Asia Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan |
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Vietnam | Michael Peil | Online | |||
Zambia | Rapheka Andre Malunga | 7-9 Feb | Goldsmith University Woodlands, Lusaka |
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Zimbabwe | Chiramba Nyasha | 7-9 Feb | University of Zimbabwe in Harare |
*Teams will be assigned to the East or West US National Rounds based on geography. We will announce where the ‘line’ is drawn once we have a sense of how many teams are registering and their geographic distribution. If your school requires earlier notice (for example for budgeting reasons), please contact ILSA at [email protected].
Jessup Trainings
Training | Date | Location | Details |
Latin American Jessup School | 11-16 Nov | Online | Click here to register Contact: [email protected] No Registration Fee All teams are welcome to register |
UAE Jessup Moot Court Summer School 2024 | 18-20 Sept | American University in the Emirates, Dubai | Contact: Ali Masoudian |
White & Case International Rounds
The 2025 White & Case Jessup International Rounds will be held, in person, on 29 March - 5 April 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Washington, DC.
Hotel Information
Hyatt Regency Washington On Capitol Hill
400 New Jersey Ave NW
Washington, DC 20001
+1-202-737-1234
About Washington DC
Home to more than 6 million people, the Washington, D.C. area boasts world-class museums, restaurants, theaters, concerts, sporting events, and more, as well as being the capital of the United States of America. Whatever your interests may be, you can find something fun to do in Washington. The links below will help you navigate the capital city during your free time.
All Rise Society
The All Rise Society, launched in late 2018, is an exclusive giving society for the most distinguished members of the Jessup community. These members form the backbone of the Jessup Competition, ensuring our continued ability to provide law students around the globe with the chance to connect with some of the world’s greatest legal minds, prepare them to enter the most competitive ranks of the legal profession, and nurture their commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflict through the rule of law. See below to view more information about the All Rise Society.
Join the ALL RISE SOCIETY
In late 2018, ILSA launched the All Rise Society, an exclusive giving society for the most distinguished members of our Jessup Competition Community. All Rise Society members form the backbone of the Jessup Competition. Your support will ensure our continued ability to provide law students around the globe with the chance to connect with some of the world’s greatest legal minds, prepare them to enter the most competitive ranks of the legal profession, and nurture their commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflict through the rule of law.
New Professionals
Friends of the Jessup who are less than five years out of law school or graduate school can join the All Rise Society at a discounted "New Professionals" level. This level is intended to encourage our newest Friends of Jessup and alumni to stay involved and support the Jessup at a more accessible level.
As a Member of the All Rise Society, you will be entitled to special recognition and benefits including:
- • Invitations to exclusive events throughout the year
- • A commemorative pin for every $6,000 pledge or donation made
- • Recognition in Jessup and ILSA promotional materials and on the ILSA website
Pledge Your Support
If you would like to become a member of the All Rise Society, please complete the pledge form below. Members are asked to pledge at least $6,000 over 5 years, or $1,800 over three years for New Professionals, in support of the Jessup Competition. ILSA will contact you after receiving your pledge form to set up payment arrangements (by credit card, check, or wire). By signing this form, you are joining your colleagues who share a special commitment to world peace and international law. All gifts are tax deductible to the full extent allowed under U.S. law.
All Rise Society Members
Fatemah Albader
Pablo Arredondo
Del Atwood
Teddy Baldwin
Lesley Benn
Bonnie Bird & Michael Collins
Joseph Brand
Jeff Brooks
William W. Burke-White
Dagmar Butte
Claudia Caceres
Dave Cahn
Jonathan Clark Green
Wade Coriell
Paul Cortes Ruiz
Chris Coyle
Nilo Divina
Christine Drage
Jason E. Johns
Elisabeth Eljuri
Joel Fun
Peter Griffin
Monika Hlavkova
Andrew Holmes
Alexander Kamsany Lee
William Kent
Nan Ling
Mark Luz
Scott Magee
Megan Mattimoe
Mitch Meisner
Nicholas Mull
Roxanna Nazari
Breanna Needham
Dwight Newman
Kirsten Odynski
Daniel Pakpahan
Anaiah Palmer
Jessica Peake
Kelsey Peddie
Michael Peil
Albina Petrosyan
Lucy Reed
Srikant Reganti
Natalie Reid
Vasco de Jesus Rodrigues
Jeff Robins
Nivedita S
Michael Scharf
Steven M. Schneebaum
Chen Siyuan
Matthew Small
Julie Sugano O'Reilly
Quang Trinh
Michael Wood
Shane Young
Jessup Awards
Each year, Jessup competitors vie for several awards in addition to the Jessup Cup awarded to the winners of the Jessup Global Rounds. Click below to learn more about these awards.
Hardy C. Dillard Award
This Award is named in honor of the late Judge Dillard of the International Court of Justice, who was a longtime supporter of the Jessup Competition. The Award is an extension of the US Rutgers Award, initiated at Rutgers Law School in Newark, New Jersey, in 1973.
The Award is presented to Teams for excellence in Memorial writing by comparing top Memorials across participating jurisdictions. Memorials of the Teams scoring the highest at Qualifying Rounds, and Memorials of the Teams scoring in the top 20 at the White & Case International Rounds are considered for the Award.
Awards will be presented to the top five scoring Teams.
Alona E. Evans Award
This Award is named in honor of the late Professor Evans, the first woman to be elected President of the American Society of International Law, and a faithful supporter of the Competition.
The Award is presented to Teams for excellence in Memorial writing at the White & Case International Rounds. Awards will be presented to the top ten scoring Teams based on total Memorial scores.
Richard R. Baxter Award
This Award is named in honor of the late Richard Baxter, who served as Judge of the International Court of Justice, and who was an eminent and pioneering scholar of International Law.
The Richard Baxter Awards are presented to Teams for excellence in Memorial writing by comparing individual Applicant and Respondent Memorials. There are two Baxter Awards: one for the Best Overall Applicant Memorial and one for the Best Overall Respondent Memorial. The Applicant and Respondent Memorials that were considered for the Alona E. Evans Award or a Hardy C. Dillard Award that received the highest ten Total Raw Scores for (unadjusted for Penalties) are entered into competition for the Best Overall Applicant and Respondent Memorials respectively.
Stephen M. Schwebel Award
This Award is named in honor of Stephen M. Schwebel, a jurist and expert on international law who served as a Judge of the International Court of Justice from 1981 to 2000 and as the Court’s President from 1997 to 2000. In 1959, as a young Assistant Professor of Law at Harvard University, Judge Schwebel established an international law moot court competition, which we recognize today as the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition.
The Award is presented to the best oralist of the World Championship Round.
Steven M. Schneebaum Award
This Award is named in honor of Steven M. Schneebaum, an American attorney and scholar who specializes in international dispute resolution and complex litigation. Mr. Schneebaum has filled a critical role in the organization and administration of the Jessup Competition for decades. Among other positions, he has served as a Compromis Author, Chairman of the ILSA Board of Directors, Jessup Coach, and Jessup Judge. The award is presented to a National Administrator for outstanding service and dedication to the Jessup Competition.
Francis Deak Award
The Deak Award is a prize provided by Oxford University Press for the best international law student article in a student-edited law journal. The award honors Francis Deak, a World War II veteran who wrote extensively on international law. The award is the student equivalent of the ASIL Deak Award, which is presented to the author of the best article of the year in the American Journal of International Law.
Pamela M. Young Award
Created in 1993 in honor of Pamela Young, Assistant Jessup Administrator from 1974 to 1994, this Award recognizes the outstanding volunteer service of individuals to the Jessup Competition.
Spirit of the Jessup Award
The Spirit of the Jessup Award was created in 1996 to recognize the Team that best exemplifies the Jessup spirit of camaraderie, academic excellence, competitiveness, and appreciation of fellow competitors. This award is voted upon by the Jessup participants themselves, and is intended to establish the standard to which all participants should strive to govern their performance and professional demeanor.
International Law Institute Award
This Award is given by the International Law Institute (ILI) to the top-ranked oralist from the nonnative English-speaking Team with the Best Memorials in the White & Case International Rounds. The recipient receives a full tuition scholarship for ILI’s course “Orientation in the US Legal System.”
Jessup History
The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition has been held every year since 1960. Click below to learn more about previous editions of the Jessup.
The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition has been held since its conception in 1960. Below you will find information on previous editions of the largest moot court competition in the world.
If you are looking for videos of final rounds from past years, please visit our YouTube Page.