Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition

REGISTRATION

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Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition

While South Africa has seen significant gains in the last 29 years since transitioning to a constitutional democracy, there is still much work to be done to ensure true equality and social justice for all. South Africa needs a new generation of human rights lawyers who have the energy, ingenuity and skill to respond to the ongoing socio-economic and political issues that still plague our country today.

The Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition gives law students the opportunity to showcase these skills by working on a hypothetical case which brings together questions around civil and political rights, gender rights and the right to vote amongst other rights in anticipation of the 7th general elections under the democratic South Africa.

Overview

Program Description

The Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition aims to introduce law students to the practice of public interest litigation and develop their awareness of emergent human rights issues. This Competition is a collaboration between the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) and the Student Litigation Society (SLS).

Eligibility Requirements

The competition is open to students pursuing any law-related qualification at an accredited South African Institution. Teams must comprise of a minimum of two members, or a maximum of three members
from the same institution. Prospective participants are required to acquaint themselves with the eligibility requirements contained in the Competition Rules before registering.

Information Pack

The Participation Information Pack contains this year's hypothetical case along with the competition rules. Prospective participants MUST ensure that they download this document as its contents will enable you to succesfully participate in the competition.

Download Info Pack

Prizes

Members of the winning team will have the opportunity to be preferentially considered for a fully paid internship at the Centre for Applied Legal Studies.

Timeline

    • Hypothetical facts released Registration and Clarification seeking period begins
      22 September 2023
    • Registration closes
      19 October 2023
    • Clarification seeking period ends
      19 October 2023
  • Preliminary Round
    • Deadline for Heads of Argument (Law Students)
      15 December 2023
    • Release of shortlist of top 32 teams Court directives issued
      15 January 2024
    • Deadline for supplementary written submissions
      05 February 2024
  • Virtual Oral Round
    • Announcement of Top 16
      12 February 2024
    • Masterclasses
      27 Feb. - 07 March 2024
    • Virtual Oral Rounds
      13-14 March 2024
  • Grand Finale
    • Announcement of semi-finalists
      20 March 2024
    • Semi-finals and final
      25 - 26 April 2024