Background & Purpose:
The Sino-International Collegiate Moot Court League is a student-led initiative that builds on the successful launch of the First Sino-International Collegiate Moot Court at Duke Kunshan University in Spring 2024. This effort, spearheaded by the DKU Pre-Law Society in collaboration with Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), aims to foster intellectual exchange and cross-campus collaboration among Sino-international universities in China.
The purpose of the League is to:
- Provide a platform for students to engage with international law, analyzing and debating cases rooted in global governance, trade policy, environmental law, and human rights.
- Develop critical skills such as public speaking, legal argumentation, and policy analysis, which are essential for careers in law, public policy, and international relations.
- Promote meaningful collaboration between Sino-international universities, creating opportunities for students to connect across campuses and expand their global perspectives.
The League aligns closely with DKU’s mission of fostering global academic collaboration and providing students with opportunities to engage in real-world issues.
Participating Universities:
The League will bring together leading Sino-international institutions, including:
- Duke Kunshan University (DKU)
- Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU)
- NYU Shanghai
- University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC)
We are actively reaching out to additional universities with Sino-international partnerships to further expand the League.
Planned Activities:
- Third Sino-International Collegiate Moot Court
- Host: Duke Kunshan University
- Date: Next semester (Session 3)
- Case Focus: A new legal case tackling global issues such as climate governance, digital trade, or multilateral dispute resolution (TBD).
- Participants: Teams from DKU, XJTLU, NYU Shanghai, UNNC, and potentially other universities.
- League Formation & Regular Events
- Formally stablishing the League with regularly scheduled moot court competitions across participating campuses.
- Organizing an annual schedule that includes moot courts, training sessions, and faculty-led workshops to enhance student preparedness.
- Workshops & Collaborative Training Sessions
- Hosted by the DKU Pre-Law Society (we have hosted 5 workshops thus far) and partnering universities to prepare students for competition.
- Topics will include legal research, oral advocacy, and effective public speaking, featuring guidance from legal professionals, professors, and alumni.
Key Highlights from Recent Events:
The most recent moot court, hosted by XJTLU this semester (Fall 2024), focused on international trade policy and its implications for U.S.-China relations, an area of immense importance in global economic governance. Teams presented cases to a mock panel representing The World Bank, sharpening their legal reasoning and understanding of real-world challenges.
How to Get Involved:
- For Students:
Students interested in participating in moot court competitions, legal advocacy, or policy debate can join through the DKU Pre-Law Society. - For Faculty and Staff:
Faculty members from DKU and partner universities are welcome to mentor students, serve as judges, or provide expertise in international law. - For External Partners:
External organizations, alumni, and professionals are invited to collaborate by hosting workshops, sponsoring events, or offering career mentorship.
Contact for Further Inquiries:
- Amanda Gonzalez – President, DKU Pre-Law Society
- Email: ang63@duke.edu
- Lisandra Hernandez – Co-President, Moot Court Organizer, DKU Pre-Law Society
- Email: lh344@duke.edu
