WTO: Moot Court Competition

Subject LAWS50044 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 5 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Summer Term, Parkville - 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

Moot presentations and competitions.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Not applicable.
Total Time Commitment: 144 hours.
Prerequisites:

733-510 Legal Method and Reasoning; 733-511 Principles of Public Law; 733-512 Torts; 733-513 Obligations; 733-514 Dispute Resolution; 733-541 Public International Law.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None.
Non Allowed Subjects: None.
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills, and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to providing support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/.

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Andrew Mitchell, Assoc Prof Tania Voon

Contact

Melbourne Law School Student Centre
Email: law-studentcentre@unimelb.edu.au
Tel: +61 3 8344 4475
Subject Overview: This subject involves four students competing in the European law Students’ Associate Moot Court Competition on WTO Law. Competing teams represent both the complainant and 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 is held in Geneva, Switzerland. For more information on the competition see http://www.elsamootcourt.org
Objectives:

The WTO provide 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 will provide a sophisticated understanding of the WTO dispute settlement system and the key substantive issues raised by the moot problem.

Upon successful completion of this subject students should:

  • Understand the WTO dispute settlement system within the broader framework of the WTO;
  • Have an advanced knowledge of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (DSU), including the role of public international law in WTO disputes and how to interpret WTO provisions;
  • Understand the different types of proceedings that may take place within the WTO dispute settlement system and the roles of different bodies involved in those proceedings (in particular, the Dispute Settlement Body, Panels, the Appellate Body, and Arbitrators);
  • Be able to assess critically WTO dispute settlement decisions and their implications in the broader context of international trade, comity and development.
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 Geneva (30%).
Prescribed Texts: WTO, 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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