Mock International Court Weekend
The International Criminal Court is the world’s first permanent international court. 110 countries are subject to the jurisdiction of the Court, including the United Kingdom. It is responsible for trying those individuals who “bear the greatest responsibility” for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The Court ensures that even the most senior of politicians are held to account for their actions, and attempts to provide the many thousands of victims with justice. The ICC has investigated crimes in Uganda, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic and in Darfur, Sudan.
YOUR CHANCE TO TAKE THE ROLE OF JUDGE OR LAWYER IN AN INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT CASE
The Model International Criminal Court is a 2-day activity for students aged 15-18. Students will spend the first day learning about the international legal institutions, the basic principles of international criminal law, and about trial advocacy, and on the second day we will put these principles into practice with a mock International Criminal Court Trial.
Students will play the part of the most important actors in a trial in an environment based closely on the real ICC. Roles will include prosecutors who will build a case, and then examine and cross-examine witnesses in court, defence barristers who will develop creative arguments to defend the Head of State sitting on trial, and judges who decide the questions of law and fact and ensure that the accused gets a fair trial.
We will conclude with a debate about the effectiveness of international justice and the ICC in bringing justice to the victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
Lead Tutor – Lionel Nichols
Lionel has previously practiced as a lawyer and worked at both the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the Special Court for Sierra Leone. He holds a BA, a Bachelor of Laws and a Master’s in International Politics from the University of Tasmania and has also completed the Bachelor of Civil Laws at Oxford University. He is currently an Australian Rhodes scholar reading for the MPhil in Law at Lincoln College, Oxford. His thesis considers the work of the International Criminal Court in response to the post-election violence in Kenya.
27th-28th November 2010 (10.30 – 4.30 on each day) • University of London Union • ages 15-18
Book a Place
The fee for the Mock International Court Weekend is £140 per student. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Debate Chamber offers a limited number of full and partial bursaries for students who would otherwise have difficulty attending. To book a place please email info@debatechamber.com, call 0845 519 4827 or use the form below.
If you are a teacher interested in holding a Law event at your school please click here.