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Frequently asked questions

What is a moot court?

A moot court is a simulated court hearing. The students work on a fictitious case from a lawyer's perspective in order to be able to practically apply what they have learned theoretically during their studies. The discipline, which originated in the Anglo-American world, is gaining increasing importance in legal education due to its practical relevance.

What exactly is the Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition (HPMCC) about?

The HPMCC is a moot court in which two parties - the applicant and the respondent - argue a fictitious human rights case. In doing so, they argue on the basis of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
More than 100 teams from the area covered by the ECHR take part in the moot court, with the best teams then competing against each other in Strasbourg.

What is the case about?

The case is very different every year, but there is always at least one plaintiff and the defendant state. The cases often address current socio-political issues.

What exactly is the assignment?

First, after the facts of the case have been presented, two pleadings must be prepared which argue in favor of the respective side. Then, in the oral pleadings, the task is to convincingly present the core arguments of these pleadings in an approximately 35-minute presentation.

How do the oral pleadings work?

In the oral pleadings, the speakers from each side present their arguments as convincingly as possible. Several judges sit opposite them and can ask questions at any time. Each side has 35 minutes for this ("main oral pleading"), with the plaintiff's side starting. Afterwards, both sides have five minutes to respond to the arguments of the other side ("rebuttal" and "sur-rebuttal"). For practice, numerous trial pleadings are conducted within the university: Only then do the teams plead in the preliminary rounds organized by ELSA and, if necessary, in the final round at the ECtHR in Strasbourg.

What are the costs?

With regard to the participation in the preliminary rounds as well as the final round in Strasbourg, fees are incurred, and travel and accommodation costs may also be incurred. The chair strives to reduce the necessary expenses by obtaining funding.  In the past, only the normal living expenses during the preliminary/final rounds had to be paid by the students themselves.

What are the requirements?

In principle, all students of a law degree program can participate. However, students who have already worked professionally in the legal field may be exempt from this requirement; usually this does not include part-time jobs during studies.

Do I need any special previous knowledge?

No, special prior knowledge or attendance of specific lectures is not necessary.

How many members can a team have?

A team consists of two to four members.

In which semester should I participate in the Moot Court?

The participants must acquire the knowledge necessary for the Moot Court themselves, which is not taught in this intensity in normal studies. They are supported in this by the chair. The number of semesters is therefore irrelevant; however, the participants are usually in the second, fourth or sixth semester of their studies.
Participation is also possible after passing the state or university part of the first state examination. It is generally recommended to have successfully passed the "Zwischenprüfung" before participating in the Moot Court.

I am not sure if I have a full semester. Can I still participate?

The Moot Court is scheduled for an entire semester; participants should therefore be fully available during this time. This applies in particular for reasons of consideration towards the other team members.

What can you win?

In recent years, the best team was able to win an internship at the ECtHR.

Will the Moot Court benefit my studies?

For successful participation in the Moot Court, students receive credit in accordance with the current regulations of the examination office:

• Recognition of participation as seminar performance
• Foreign language certificate according to § 9 IV JAPrVO
• Key qualification certificate

It is not necessary for the participants to qualify for the final round. Since a university examination is required, a public pleading will take place within the university.

Will I lose my right to the free trial after the 8th semester by participating?

In recent years, the semester of participation in the Moot Court was not included in the calculation of the number of semesters decisive for the free attempt. In return, however, no examinations may be taken during the semester. For current information, please contact the Landesjustizprüfungsamt.

In which language will the Moot Court take place?

Both pleadings and oral pleadings must be written or presented in English.

Where can I find further information?

https://helgapedersenmoot.elsa.org/   

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