Peking University, April 17, 2023: The 64th edition of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition came to a close on April 16, 2023, in Washington D.C., with PKU Law School achieving its best record in the competition's history. After winning the domestic competition in China, the team from PKU Law School competed with 580 teams from 93 jurisdictions, ultimately earning first runner-up in the international competition. This achievement marks the first time a Chinese team advanced to the finals.

The PKU team, led by Assistant Professor Liao Xuexia and alumnus Huang Yuxiang, consisted of students from various schools within PKU, including Law, Yuanpei College, and the School of Foreign Languages. The team received extensive guidance and support from Law School leaders, teachers, former PKU moot court members, and former Jessup participants.

The competition consisted of four preliminary and four knockout rounds over the course of a week, during which the PKU team defeated teams from the Czech Republic, Canada, Italy, India, Belgium, and the Philippines. The PKU team's victory is attributed to their exceptional legal knowledge, logical thinking abilities, and skilled court defense skills.

This year, the team received strong support from PKU Daofeng & Angola Law Fund, demonstrating the strengths of PKU Law School and bringing honor to the country.

The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition is organised by the International Law Students Association (ISLA) and aims to promote talent in international law and exchange academic and practical experiences in international law across countries. Initiated in 1960, it is the world's largest and oldest moot court competition, also known as the "Olympiad" of international jurisprudence.

The event comprises two parts: the domestic competition and the international competition. Participating teams must win the domestic competition to advance to the international finals held in Washington, USA. Since China's first domestic competition in 2003, PKU had won the championship title six times.

Congratulations to the teachers and students of the competing team for their outstanding achievement!

Written by: Lee Xin Ying Rachel
Edited by: Wu Jiayun
Source: PKU News (Chinese)