The first ever Bhutanese team that competed in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Washington, D.C in the US returned home, yesterday. They brought with them the coveted “Spirit of the Jessup Award”, Bhutan’s first-ever trophy in the Jessup competition.
The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition is often dubbed as the “World Cup of International Law.”
The Bhutan’s first-ever team to the competition had four legal officers- Chimi Dorji and Phuntsho Wangchuk from Thimphu District Court, Captain Dechey Dorji from the Royal Bhutan Army, and Tshewang Dorji from the Office of the Attorney General. They were accompanied by their coaches, Professor Michael Peil and Ugyen Lhendup, and the Director of Royal Institute of Law, Sangay Dorjee.
The award recognizes the team that best exemplifies the Jessup spirit of competitiveness, friendship, sportsmanship, and professionalism.
The team received a plaque, two enormous banners signed by every team in the competition, and a cheque for 1000 USD from the International Bar Association.
Bhutan competed against teams from Moscow, China, Slovenia and Nigeria.
While in Washington, D.C, the Bhutanese team also received an audience with Senator John McCain, a senior member of the US Senate.
Founded in 1959 by the International Law Students Association, a non-profit NGO, the Jessup Competition brings together the top teams from law schools from around the world to compete before a simulated International Court of Justice.
With more than 2,000 law students from over 600 law schools in 90 countries competing for the coveted Jessup Cup each year, the Jessup is the largest moot court competition in the world.
