On Tuesday and Wednesday, 7-8 May 2013, first-year Law students were given the opportunity to simulate a trial before the International Court of Justice. The activity, supervised by Carlos Espaliú, a professor of International Public Law in the UIC Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences, was part of the subject's graded assignments and consisted of defending two different cases.
The activity was what is known as a moot court, a real-life trial simulation. Using real facts and authentic cases tried before the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, the students had to act out the different roles in the court on a stage that seemed very real. "The objective of the activity is for the students to assimilate their theoretical knowledge more completely, become more familiar with the use of English in the field and develop a taste for the legal profession", said Prof. Espaliú.
For the activity, each party presented their pleadings and then had to defend their arguments at a hearing. Each case was heard by a court of seven judges, who had to resolve the dispute and, after hearing from both parties, pronounce judgement. The judges wore gowns and the hearings were held in English, the language of the Court, to create an experience that allowed the students to see firsthand how the practice of International Law is structured.
The simulations were based on actual cases, but the dates, parties and some of the facts and legal arguments were changed. Specifically, they were based on "The Iran Hostage Crisis in 1979" (Diplomatic Law) and the so-called "Turbot War of 1995" (Maritime Law).
International Law professor Carlos Espaliú was pleased with the students’ response. He said, "It was truly a pleasure to see how first-year law students took on the roles of lawyers, diplomats and judges. And, in general, they did it very well."
