2008 Jessup Moot

On March 6-9, McGill Law students Damian Hornich, Balkees Jarrah, Elizabeth Neelin-Robinson and Sybil Thompson took part in the Canadian Rounds of the Jessup International Mooting Competition, which was held this year in Saskatoon. The problem that students worked on this year addressed timely issues concerning terrorism and human rights.

As the respondent party, Sybil and Beth fought vigorously to give the states more discretion in situations of national security, while applicants Balkees and Damian sought to maintain principles such as territorial sovereignty and the prohibition against torture.

Our mooters secured prizes for their advocacy skills, with Balkees ranking as the 2nd top oralist and Damian as 4th among 60 participants. Balkees was also the only woman to rank in the top ten. Competitors described the McGill team as "formidable opponents."

The team wishes to thank the faculty members and students who graciously judged practice rounds and offered constructive feedback. Gratitude also goes to coaches Assistant Professor Mark Antaki and Ms. Cara Cameron, BCL/LLB'01, of Davies Ward Phillip & Vineberg.

The Faculty offers everyone its warmest congratulations.