University of Otago Law Students to Compete at International Moot Court

Students from the University of Otago have secured victory in the Bell Gully Open Mooting Competition held in Auckland, earning them the opportunity to represent New Zealand in the upcoming Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Washington, D.C., scheduled for March 2024. The achievement marks a notable milestone, as it is the first time Otago has claimed the national title since 2022.

The winning duo, comprising Miss Bowmar and Mr. Kidd, expressed their enthusiasm about the title while acknowledging the extensive preparation involved. They are now collaborating with researchers Oliver Thorns and Flynn Struckmann to enhance their arguments for the international level competition. “We were stoked to win the New Zealand title because there was quite a lot of work that went into it,” Miss Bowmar stated.

Understanding Mooting and Its Challenges

Mooting serves as an educational platform, simulating a court hearing where participants present arguments before a panel. Miss Bowmar described the Auckland competition as a “relationship property moot,” focusing on the division of assets following a marriage dissolution. This experience, according to her, was not only rewarding but also instrumental in developing their legal skills.

Looking ahead, Miss Bowmar mentioned that the moot for the international court poses a greater challenge. “It’s super exciting to be representing New Zealand,” she noted. The upcoming moot will engage with complex themes of international law, including human rights and the rights of indigenous peoples. It will involve a series of disputes between two neighboring states concerning the extraction of natural resources.

As they prepare, Miss Bowmar and Mr. Kidd will need to familiarize themselves with various perspectives, as they will argue both sides of each dispute during the competition. “We have to prepare for all sides of the argument,” she explained. This thorough preparation is critical given the competitive nature of the international stage, where teams from around the world will participate.

Looking Forward to Global Competition

With the competition fast approaching, Miss Bowmar acknowledged the strong global contenders they will face. While she refrained from making predictions about their performance, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete. “I think we’d be pretty stoked just to be part of it,” she said. “We’re pretty lucky to make it this far.” This sentiment underscores the dedication and hard work that the students have invested in their legal education and preparation for international representation.

The University of Otago’s success in the Bell Gully Open Mooting Competition is not only a testament to the students’ commitment but also highlights the institution’s growing reputation in legal education. As they prepare for this prestigious international competition, their journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring legal professionals across New Zealand and beyond.