WTO: Moot Court Competition

Subject 730-362 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Summer Term, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Total Time Commitment: 144 hours
Prerequisites: Legal Method and Reasoning; Principles of Public Law; Torts; Dispute Resolution; or in each case their equivalents.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Prior debating or mooting experience, and prior studies in public international law, international economic law, or the World Trade Organization (‘WTO’) are an advantage.
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Andrew Mitchell, Assoc Prof Tania Voon
Subject Overview: The World Trade Organization (WTO) provides one of the most active systems in the world for resolving international disputes, with fast and effective appellate review, a strong enforcement mechanism, and jurisdiction over some of the largest and most significant matters arising today. This subject involves four students competing in the European Law Students' Association Moot Court Competition on WTO law. Competing teams represent both the complainant and the respondent in a simulated case by preparing written submissions and presenting oral arguments before a mock WTO Panel. The regional round is typically held in Adelaide and the final oral round for 2009 will be held in Taipei, Taiwan. The 2008-2009 team was selected in May 2008. For more information on the competition, see: http://www.elsamootcourt.org/.
Objectives:

This subject offers an exceptional opportunity to work closely with a small group of committed students and staff members, develop your research and oral and written communication skills, improve your understanding of a substantive area of WTO law, and meet a wide range of inspiring people within and outside Melbourne Law School who are working in international law or as professional advocates. Successful participation will provide a sophisticated understanding of dispute settlement in the WTO and the key substantive issues raised by the problem.
Assessment:

Two written submissions prepared cooperatively by students working together as members of a team: 70%.
Mooting presentations as a team in practice rounds, an Exhibition Moot in Melbourne, and competitive rounds in Adelaide and Tapei: 30%.
Prescribed Texts:

World Trade Organization, The Legal Texts: The Results of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations (Cambridge University Press, 2007 printing including index).

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of the subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • Oral and written communication skills.
  • Thinking skills: critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical skills.
  • Capacities in information-seeking and evaluation.
  • Planning and time management skills.
  • The ability to make a positive contribution to a team project under pressure.

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