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

Jessup 2025

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.

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.

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.