Children's rights are not only enshrined and protected under the South African constitution. Under this auspices, the University of Pretoria, Centre for Child Law, founded the Annual Child Law Moot Court Competition in 2011. The competition aims to increase awareness of children's rights, promote public interest law among undergraduate students, and expose them to child law issues. 

Participating teams prepare legal arguments for the two opposing sides in a fictitious case. During the elimination stages, they get the opportunity to present their written arguments verbally to a panel of judges. Teams that proceed to the finals can orate their arguments in person at the University of Pretoria's Law Faculty Moot Court Chambers.

This year, 14 teams of 36 participants from South African universities descended on the Hatfield campus of UP Law from September 20 to 21, presenting their arguments before expert judges on the "Disparity in sentencing between children and adults for offences related to the possession and consumption of prohibited substances."

Professor Steve Cornelius, Head of the Private Law Department, welcomed the participating teams. He thanked all teams who advanced to the oral rounds and encouraged participants to network with one another, enjoy the event, and, most importantly, implement what they learned at the tournament to further their career goals. Ms Karabo Ozah, Director of the Centre for Child Law at UP Law, provided an overview of the competition and explained daily proceedings for its duration.

Mooting is a co-curricular activity that many law schools encourage students to participate in to improve their oratory, research, and presentation abilities in preparation for their future legal careers. Moot participants participate in simulated court or arbitration processes, which typically include drafting memorials or memoranda and delivering oral arguments. The Annual Child Law Moot Court Competition focuses on cultivating an interest in aspiring Child Law legal practitioners who will help develop legislation, regulations, policies, and other documents to advance children's rights and provide guidance on how to implement these rights.

Congratulations to the University of Cape Town Teams for winning the 2024 trophy for the second successive year. Tanyaradzwa Gwenhure and Amohelang Molefi can be proud of their effort, who ultimately won the prize as the Applicants, arguing for the establishment of a parole system for children deprived of liberty who live in Child Youth Care Centres under the Child Justice Act.

We hope that the competition experience taught the participating teams vital lessons that will allow them to use propositions to debate facts, engage with and think carefully about legal issues, and broaden their grasp of legislation governing children's rights.

UP Law, Centre for Child Law, expresses gratitude to all universities for their ongoing support of participants and coaches to enable their involvement. We also thank everyone who gave their time from their hectic schedules to serve as bailiffs and judges, contributing to the success of the 2024 Child Law Moot Court Competition.