Monroe E. Price Media Law Moot Court Competition
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City (January 28 – February 1, 2015)
This year’s problem focused on the impact of social media in the differences between two clashing religions and a state’s attempt to take matters into its own hands and control social media by enacting its own laws governing media in its jurisdiction. Do such laws violate international human rights law?
The team, led by 3L Coach Julie Johnson, wrote Appellate Memorials on the issues. Shannon Kendrick and Michael Sanchez, both 2Ls, wrote on behalf of Deri Kutik, a young man who uploaded a religiously charged video on a video-sharing website. Meanwhile, 2Ls Natasha Ram and Maison Haines argued in the alternative for their client, the Republic of Lydina, stating the specific law being challenged is valid under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, among others.
Philip C. Jessup Competition
University of Denver Sturm School of Law (February 13-16, 2015)
This was the first year that Valparaiso University Law School competed in the Denver Regional. Competitors Jacquelyn Altpeter, Cassandra Neal, Roy Johnson (all 2Ls), and 3L competitor Connar Nolan prepared Appellate Memorials on The Case Concerning the Secession and Annexation of East Agnostica. This competition case presented questions of treaty interpretation, and how treaties apply under changed circumstances. It also presented questions of the propriety of counter-measures and procedural as well as substantive issues raised by the secession of a province from one country and its annexation by another.
The team then prepared arguments based on their memorials, with the help of 3L Coaches Naila Alam and Tyler Mesman. The Valparaiso University Law School team competed against teams throughout the United States, and Cassandra Neal placed 15th overall in the individual oralist rankings.
16th Annual D.M. Harish Memorial Government Law College International Moot Court Competition
Mumbai, India (February 9-15, 2015)
This year’s competition dealt with issues of humanitarian intervention, cyber terrorism, and international investment law between the fictional countries of Antagonia and Ploonkistan.
Members Delicia Zayas and Jarryd Morton (both 2Ls) competed in the Oral Rounds at the competition, arguing four separate and current issues of international law. Going up against several extremely competitive teams from India, the Valparaiso University Law School team placed 16th place overall. Coach and Researcher Victoria Feddeler (3L) received 13th place in the Researchers Test.
Team members, along with faculty member Michael Murray, were able to visit the Gateway of India, the Hanging Gardens, and several other landmarks throughout Mumbai. The team spent time with other law schools from around the world and have made invaluable contacts as a result of this competition. All can be proud of the team’s achievements, making it to the Octo-Round, and competing against 26 other teams.
