What are Moot Courts?

A Moot Court is a simulated court proceeding in which law students take on the role of lawyers and argue a fictional case before a court. The court, composed of real judges and lawyers, also serves as the jury and provides teams with feedback on both their legal performance and their presentation style and teamwork.

The goal is to provide students with practical experience and soft skills already during their time in university. In addition to legal argumentation and case analysis, Moot Courts offer the opportunity to enhance presentation skills. Due to the preparation phase and the emphasis on rhetoric and teamwork, Moot Courts are often well-suited for students in the early semesters.

ELSA Germany Moot Courts

EDMC
The ELSA Germany Moot Court (EDMC) is a moot court organized by ELSA Germany and its Local Groups, that is being held in German. In this competition, two teams of two participants each argue civil law cases, which always involve procedural law issues as well. The final, featuring the two best teams nationwide, takes place annually at the Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe.

EDVMC
The ELSA Germany Administrative Law Moot Court (EDMVC) is a German-language moot court focused on administrative law. Teams from across Germany first draft written submissions for both parties before competing against each other in a Pre-Moot. The four best teams advance to the national finals, which take place before a Higher Administrative Court (OVG) or the Federal Administrative Court (BVerwG).

International ELSA Moot Courts

HPMCC
The Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition (HPMCC) is an English-language moot court focusing on issues related to the European Convention on Human Rights. Teams of 2–4 participants compete in Regional Rounds across Europe. The top 18 teams advance to the final round, which takes place before the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

• Der EDMC beginnt mit den Lokalentscheiden in den Fakultätsgruppen für die Studierenden der jeweiligen Universität
• Die Gewinner:innen der Lokalentscheide treten dann beim Nationalentscheid gegeneinander an; dieser findet in der Regel vor wechselnden Oberlandesgerichten statt
• Die zwei besten Teams bekommen die Gelegenheit vor dem Bundesgerichtshof in Karlsruhe um den Sieg zu kämpfen

• Local Rounds annualy during the winter semester
• Nationalentscheid zwischen Mai und Juli
• Bundesentscheid im Juli

• Local Rounds annualy during the winter semester
• Nationalentscheid zwischen Mai und Juli
• Bundesentscheid im Juli