Moot Court Competition: The Final Battle for Space Justice at the DIFC Courts
It’s a wrap! The 21st of May marked the final day of Courts of Space Moot Court Competition 2024.
Four teams advanced to the semi-finals held at DIFC Courts. During this stage, the Claimant and Defendant teams presented their arguments and pleaded on behalf of their respective sides before a judge and a judging panel, offering an unparalleled real-life advocacy experience.
Story written by Manel Kerioui, Contributor at the Middle East Space Monitor
The final stage of the competition began with a welcome address from Ayesha Bin Kalban, Registrar at DIFC Courts. Bin Kalban greeted all participants, expressing pride in their diverse backgrounds, the excellence of their advocacy, and their impressive progress in reaching the semi-finals.
ADA University [Azerbaijan] to Maharashtra National Law University [India]
Gujarat National Law University [India] to Hamad Bin Khalifa University [Qatar]
As the students sat in front of the judge and took their respective roles, the silence in the courtroom gave place to the pleading: the Claimant put forward strong arguments to prove their case and obtain a favorable ruling for Artemis Astrotheia, a yoga Youtuber whose trip to Space is cut short after contracting a Covid-19 variant. The Defendants aimed to refute the claimant’s arguments and avoid or minimize liability for SolarDream, a Dubai-based space tourism company offering space retreats. After two rounds and thorough deliberation, the competition moved forward to the last stage with students from Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Gujarat National Law University.
In the highly anticipated finale, the stakes were undeniably high, yet the students maintained an exceptional level of professionalism and composure. The finalists demonstrated outstanding legal acumen and eloquence in their arguments. The courtroom was charged with intensity as each team presented their case with precision, dissecting intricate legal points and responding adeptly to the judges' probing questions. The atmosphere was one of palpable tension and keen anticipation, as both sides showcased their thorough preparation and deep understanding of the law.
The judges, renowned legal experts, scrutinized every detail, evaluating the merits of each argument with rigor. Their thoughtful inquiries challenged the students to think on their feet and articulate their positions with clarity and conviction. The participants' dedication and skill were evident, reflecting their hard work and passion for the law.
While the judges praised the performance of both teams, the competition concluded with Hamad Bin Khalifa University emerging as the winner.
In the end, the finale was not only a test of legal knowledge but also a testament to the students' ability to perform under pressure. The high level of competition underscored the importance of the event, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it. The moot court finale was a resounding success, highlighting the exceptional talent and future potential of these aspiring legal professionals.
Moot courts are particularly effective because they provide students with a realistic simulation of courtroom proceedings, allowing them to develop crucial skills such as legal research, writing, and oral advocacy. By engaging in these mock trials, students gain practical experience, enhance their critical thinking, and build confidence, better preparing them for their future careers in law.
Witness the proceedings from within the courtroom:
As the Courts of Space Moot Court, a joint initiative of the DIFC Courts and the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) continues into the future, the success of the inaugural edition underscores its importance not only in support of the DIFC Courts and Dubai Future Foundation's objectives to empower our youth, but also as a testament to the pioneering role both organisations play in reimagining, inspires & designing the future. This is evident in initiatives such as the Courts of the Future and Courts of Space, showcasing their forward-thinking approach as is the spirit of the UAE. Importantly, as the space sector evolves, institutions like DIFC Courts will become pivotal in providing arbitration and dispute resolution services, positioning themselves as global leaders in shaping the future of space-related legal frameworks.
