The Jessup Journey Report 2024-2025

3. April 2025, von Internetredaktion

In September 2024, as the warmth of summer began to fade, we embarked on our Jessup journey, ready to embrace the challenges that lay ahead.

Our first task was to become proficient in the style of memorial writing, a process that required not just reading but also a thoughtful approach to research. We quickly understood that finding credible sources was a skill in itself, one that would take time to develop.

As the days turned into weeks, we gradually adapted to the demands of our project.

We familiarized ourselves in understanding the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, learning about the specific requirements and procedures involved. At the same time, we delved into the complexities of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Its principles and regulations began to take shape in our minds, revealing the far-reaching implications of the law of the sea, especially against the background of climate change and its impacts.

Throughout this process, we also noticed a significant improvement in our writing capabilities. The style required for our memorial, which initially felt daunting, gradually became more natural and fluid as we practiced and refined our skills.

An essential part of our progress was the unwavering support from the alumni network. Their guidance proved invaluable and with their assistance, we not only enhanced our understanding of the law but also built confidence in our ability to articulate our arguments effectively.

Our visit to the Peace Palace Library in The Hague in December was another highlight.

Being able to do research in the world's largest library of international law right next to the ICJ and to breathe in the scent of Grotius was a unique and fantastic experience.

We would like to sincerely thank all those who supported us and made this unforgettable trip full of new experiences possible. Thank you!

After our research trip to The Hague, the work continued without a break. Sources that we had found in The Hague were evaluated and newly acquired knowledge was incorporated into the memorials. The nights became longer and the sleep phases shorter.

Soon, Christmas was just around the corner and the final submission of the memorials only a few weeks away. We took a few days off to recover a bit and started the final sprint. During the last few days in January, we revised every single paragraph, double-checked text passages and adjust formalities. Hour after hour passed by. Our faithful old coffee machine was running at full speed and the slippers we had brought to the office were only rarely replaced with our street shoes. On January 14, 2025 at 11:53 p.m., the first interim goal of the Jessup was reached. We opened a bottle of sparkling wine and toasted this first success with everyone involved, relieved, a little sleep deprived, and proud.

A couple of days after later, we continued on to the oral phase, where we worked on turning our memorials into effective individual pleadings.

This phase allowed us to improve our speaking, language, and advocacy skills. By presenting our case in various law firm simulations, we were able to work out weaknesses in our pleadings, discover new lines of argument, and develop our rhetorical abilities. We carefully incorporated the feedback we had received, making gradual improvements over time. After three short weeks of intensive preparation, which included many practice sessions and pleadings with alumni and fellow Jessup enthusiasts, we traveled to the German National Rounds in Leipzig for the finale of our Jessup journey.

In Leipzig, we finally had the opportunity to connect with Jessup teams from various cities throughout Germany, each of which had, like us, dedicated the past six months to exploring the same legal topics and challenges. In four different rounds, we competed against teams from various universities, engaging in lively exchanges of arguments and presenting legal perspectives. After two days of intense competition, we eagerly awaited the announcement of which teams would advance to the next round. Did we make it?

As the numbers were called one by one, we felt a growing sense of tension. Unfortunately, our number was not called by the end, meaning we had been eliminated after the preliminary round. Disappointment washed over us and with it the realization that our Jessup journey had come to a rather abrupt end.

However, the knowledge that we gained is invaluable, especially our deeper understanding of international law — something that can never be taken away from us. Additionally, we appreciated the discussions we had and most importantly, the teamwork that allowed us to bond and understand the true essence of collaboration in any professional setting.

This experience captured what the Jessup competition is about: a collective journey of knowledge aimed at addressing legal challenges. Although we did not advance to the next round, we recognized our personal and professional growth throughout the process. We consider our journey not only a valuable experience but also a resounding success. In this respect, we would like to express our gratitude to everyone who supported us along the way, making this incredible time filled with new experiences possible. Especially our Coaches, who supported us from the beginning to the end.

Thank you all!

Emilia, Laura, Philipp, Ronja