The UP Law team, coached by Gift Keketso Kgomosotho, won the final round with a unanimous bench after having won all of their preliminary rounds. This year’s team consists of Franciscus Crouse (LLB II), Ashley Makgatho (LLB IV), Simon Motshweni (LLB III) and Matikomborera Nyamadzi (LLB III).

Jessup is the world's largest moot court competition, with participants from more than 500 law schools in more than 95 countries. The Competition is a simulation of a fictional dispute between countries before the International Court of Justice, the judicial organ of the United Nations.

Ashley Makgatho, who represented the University in Washington in 2017 where the team finished 16th in the world, had the following to say about this years’ experience: “As the biggest moot court competition in the world, it is expected that it is by far the most difficult. However, the level at which the competition requires one to engage with existing and abstract Public International Law results in one gaining invaluable skills and experiences. After all, there must be some sort of rationale behind me putting myself through this punishment twice.”

Having coached the University’s last three Jessup teams, Gift Kgomosotho says he has “every confidence that this year’s team will do exceedingly well. They have thus far demonstrated an underdog spirit that is grounded in hard work, in song and at other times, in dark humour. This year’s team’s commitment is unprecedented and a true representation of the Jessup Spirit!”

Franciscus Crouse said “my journey with the Jessup has been one filled with growth, joy, dedication and acquiring the most interesting and valuable knowledge. While it has been incredibly grueling and challenging it has been rewarding and meaningful in equal parts. It is the opportunity of a lifetime and I would be heartbroken if I could not go to Washington and international rounds to compete against the best young legal minds in the world.”

Simon Motshweni said “The Jessup has offered me an unparalleled learning experience, allowing me to better develop my oral advocacy skills as well as research skills - which are critical in legal practice everywhere.”

This year’s case deals with State Responsibility, Environmental and Wildlife Law, Human rights and Traditional Knowledge.

UP Law wishes the team the best of luck as they prepare to represent South Africa at the international rounds in Washington DC at the end of March 2019. Last year, the University’s team finished 5^th out of more than 600 law faculties from across the globe, won the Elona E Evans award as well as the coveted Richard R Baxter award for their written submissions.

- Gift Kgomosotho

The Office of the Dean extends hearty congratulations to the team and coach on their performance.  We thank them for their hard work and making us proud!  We are sure that all staff and students wish you the very best with your preparation for the international rounds.  We are super proud of you all! - Editor