CONFERENCE
Moot Court Competitions at the International Level: A Valuable Experience for Law Students
Moot court competitions at the international level have repeatedly proven to be an effective and engaging way for students to develop legal reasoning and professional skills. In 1999, a group of five senior students from the Faculty of Law at the University of Latvia initiated the idea of organizing similar competitions in Latvia, inviting all Latvian universities offering legal studies to participate.
The competition was structured into two stages: a written phase and an oral phase. A moot problem was developed, presenting a specific legal issue, allowing participants to construct well-reasoned arguments for both sides of the dispute. Each student team, consisting of 3–4 members, drafted written arguments in favor of both the claimant and the respondent, submitting their work to the competition organizers. These submissions were then evaluated by experienced legal professionals. The teams that received the highest scores in the written phase qualified for the oral rounds.
In the oral phase, students had to present their arguments before judges in a simulated court hearing, advocating from both the claimant's and the respondent's perspectives. This format has remained largely unchanged over the years.
In its first year, the moot problem focused on civil law topics. However, in subsequent years, the legal field was changed, and it has now become a tradition for the competition to address current constitutional law issues. In 2003, the moot court was named after the distinguished Latvian constitutional law scholar, Professor Kārlis Dišlers.
During the oral rounds, participants present their arguments before a panel of judges composed of esteemed legal scholars, practicing lawyers, university professors, and judges. The competition has featured judges from the Constitutional Court, senators of the Supreme Court, university faculty members, and qualified legal professionals.
In the early years, the competition was organized by the winners of previous moot courts—a privilege that consistently belonged to students of the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Law. To ensure continuity and enthusiasm in organizing the competition, since 2003, the responsibility for its administration has been entrusted to ELSA Latvia.
The Faculty of Law at the University of Latvia has played a significant role in the development of the moot court, providing financial support, venues, and technical assistance. The Soros Foundation also played a crucial role in making the first three competitions possible from 1999 to 2002. Since 2003, invaluable support has been provided by Latvijas Vēstnesis and the Court House Agency, which have contributed valuable prizes for the winners. Additionally, law firms such as Sorainen, Kļaviņš & Slaidiņš, Skudra & Ūdris, and others have supported the competition.
This information is based on an article prepared by D. Lepika, a member of the ELSA Latvia Board, published in the journal Jurista Vārds on October 18, 2005, No. 39 (394).
In 2023, the team "Mīli savu tuvāko!" from the Riga Graduate School of Law (Lena Tarlecka, Nauris Briedis, and coach Katrīna Salmgrieze) was declared the winner of the moot court competition.
The winner of the written phase of the competition was the "Juristi bez kvalifikācijas" team from the University of Latvia's Faculty of Law, represented by Bachelor's program students in Law—Leons Podbrezskis, Artūrs Sņegirevs, Rēzija Gaujere—and coached by Ieva Šņepste.
The title of Best Oralist was awarded to Leons Podbrezskis, a representative of the University of Latvia team "Juristi bez kvalifikācijas."
In 2022, the XXIV Prof. K. Dišlers Moot Court Competition was won by the team "VINCIT QUE SE VINCIT" from the University of Latvia's Faculty of Law, consisting of Bachelor's program students Andīna Brīvule, Kristīne Ilga Budkēviča, and Raivo Bunde, coached by Katrīna Salmgrieze.
The Best Oralist in both the final and preliminary rounds was awarded to Rebeka Laveniece, a Master's student at the University of Latvia's Faculty of Law, from the team "Pēdējais brīdis."
The Best Written Submission award, as judged by the panel, was given to the Master's program team "Pēdējais brīdis" from the University of Latvia's Faculty of Law, consisting of Dāvis Gertmans, Rebeka Laveniece, and Ksenija Koleda, coached by Linda Raubenheimere.
The title of Best Judge in the 2022 competition was awarded to PhD. Prof. Ineta Ziemele, Judge at the Court of Justice of the European Union.
In 2021, the XXIII Prof. K. Dišlers Moot Court Competition was won by the University of Latvia's Faculty of Law team "Allium Aureum", consisting of Konstance Krieviņa, Agris Ratniks, and Niklāvs Alberts Ozoliņš, coached by Anna Patrīcija Mālere.
The title of Best Oralist was awarded to Agris Ratniks from "Allium Aureum", while Niklāvs Alberts Ozoliņš from the same team received the Best Preliminary Round Oralist award.
The team "Allium Aureum" was also recognized as the authors of the Best Written Submission.
Several special awards were presented at the competition’s conclusion:
- The Latvian Moot Association Award went to Agris Ratniks from "Allium Aureum".
- The Sympathy Award from Latvia’s Representatives in International Human Rights Institutions and the Constitutional Court’s Sympathy Award were both given to Niklāvs Alberts Ozoliņš from "Allium Aureum".
- The Sympathy Award from Dina Gailīte, Editor-in-Chief of the journal Jurista Vārds, was awarded to Krista Čistjakova from the University of Latvia's Faculty of Law team "Nekā personīga".
- The Special Award from the Public Law Institute was presented to Viktorija Gilberte, Alma Vilma Gūtmane, Agris Ratnieks, Iveta Zemrūķe, and their coach Maira Pužule.
The Best Judge of the XXIII Prof. K. Dišlers Moot Court Competition was recognized as Edmunds Broks, a lecturer at the University of Latvia's Faculty of Law.
In 2020, the XXII Prof. K. Dišlers Moot Court Competition was won by the University of Latvia's Faculty of Law team "Sālsūdens", consisting of Ieva Šņepste, Anna Patrīcija Mālere, and Katrīna Annija Ročāne, coached by Maira Pužule.
The title of Best Oralist was awarded to Ieva Šņepste from the team "Sālsūdens".
The honorable second place was secured by the University of Latvia's Faculty of Law team "JĒČETRI", represented by Artūrs Šuspāns, Kristers Pētersons, and Kristiāns Dzerkaļs, coached by Elīza Petrocka Petrovska.
In the 2018 Moot Court Competition, the winning team was from Turība University.
The second place was awarded to a joint team from Riga Stradiņš University and the Riga Graduate School of Law, which included Inese Elīza Miroškina, an alumna of the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Law.
According to the judges' evaluation, the Best Written Analysis of the Moot Case was prepared by Marta Šillere and Krista Niklase, students of the University of Latvia. Krista Niklase also received the Constitutional Court's Sympathy Award, while Marta Šillere was awarded the Special Prize from Moot Court Judge Māris Lejnieks.
The Public Law Institute Award, which included participation in the Bīriņi Constitutional Law and Policy Seminar, was granted to the University of Latvia team consisting of Germans Pavlovskis, Pāvels Jašniks, and Sandra Reščenko.
The Best Judge, as recognized by the participants, was Kristaps Tamužs.
Information about the students' achievements was published in the journal Jurista Vārds on December 17, 2018.
In 2017, the XIX Prof. Kārlis Dišlers Constitutional Moot Court Competition was won by the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Law team, consisting of Ēriks Krēsliņš, Rihards Strads, and Ritvars Purmalis.
The second place was awarded to another University of Latvia Faculty of Law team, represented by Nora Ventaskraste, Gita Daukste, and Ieva Reine.
The Best Oralist title was awarded to Rihards Strads, while the Best Judge of the competition was recognized as Kristīne Līce, an alumna of the University of Latvia's Faculty of Law.
In 2016, the Moot Court Competition was won by University of Latvia Faculty of Law students Sabīne Vilka, Annija Roga, and Sabīne Zaula.
The Best Oralist award was given to Lāsma Rancāne, while the Best Judge award went to Ilze Tralmaka, an alumna of the University of Latvia's Faculty of Law.
The award for the Best Written Submission was granted to Marta Tarabanovska, Elīza Petrocka, and Aleksandra Gavrilova, also students of the University of Latvia's Faculty of Law.
The Constitutional Court’s Sympathy Award was split between Kalvis Engīzers, who received a collection of Constitutional Court rulings, and Annija Roga, who was awarded a traineeship opportunity at the Constitutional Court.
The Public Law Institute Award, which included participation in the Bīriņi Constitutional Law and Policy Seminar, was awarded to Ramona Katrīna Hmeļicka.
Information about the students' achievements was published in the journal Jurista Vārds on December 13, 2016, Issue No. 50 (953).
In 2015, the Moot Court Competition was won by Dāvids Lipšens, a student at the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Law.
The Best Oralist award was given to Jānis Priekulis, while the Best Judge award was once again granted to Alla Spale, an alumna of the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Law.
The award for the Best Written Submission was presented to the University of Latvia Faculty of Law team Inita Čīma, Ēriks Krēsliņš, and Roberts Jumis.
The Public Law Institute Award was given to Dāvids Lipšens and Jānis Priekulis. The Prof. Kārlis Dišlers Fund’s Sympathy Award was awarded to Ēriks Krēsliņš, while the Constitutional Court’s Sympathy Award went to Mārtiņš Birģelis. Additionally, the Dean of the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Law, Anita Rodiņa’s Sympathy Award, was presented to Dāvids Lipšens.
In 2014, the Moot Court Competition was won by University of Latvia Faculty of Law students Jānis Sarāns, Edijs Brants, and Andris Dimants.
The Best Oralist award was given to Katrīna Salmgrieze, while the Best Judge award was once again granted to Lauris Liepa, a lecturer at the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Law.
Information about the students' achievements was published in the journal Jurista Vārds on January 13, 2015, Issue No. 2 (854).
In 2013, the Moot Court Competition was won by University of Latvia Faculty of Law students Jana Šķirpa, Jānis Gavars, and Krista Bērziņa.
The Best Oralist award was given to Jānis Gavars, while the Best Judge award was once again granted to Jūlija Jerņeva, an alumna of the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Law.
Information about the students' achievements was published in the journal Jurista Vārds on December 17, 2013, Issue No. 51 (802).
In 2012, for the first time, the Moot Court Competition was won not by the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Law, but by a team from the Riga Graduate School of Law, consisting of Vladlena Rudusāne, Matīss Rostoks, and Zane Kuļokovska.
The Best Oralist award was given to Vladlena Rudusāne, while the Best Judge award was granted to Jānis Pleps, a lecturer at the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Law.
The winning team's captain, Vladlena Rudusāne, is an alumna of the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Law and has also represented the faculty in international moot court competitions.
Information about the students' achievements was published in the journal Jurista Vārds on January 15, 2013, Issue No. 2 (753).
In 2011, the Moot Court Competition was won by University of Latvia Faculty of Law students Andris Strazds, Mārtiņš Dambergs, and Rūta Šutko.
The Best Oralist award was given to Mārtiņš Dambergs, while the Best Judge award was granted to Edgars Pastars, an alumnus of the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Law.
Information about the students' achievements was published in the journal Jurista Vārds on December 20, 2011, Issue No. 51 (698).
In 2010, the Moot Court Competition was won by University of Latvia Faculty of Law students Vija Kalniņa, Liene Pommere, and Artis Straupenieks.
The Best Oralist award was given to Laura Lapiņa, a semifinalist, while the Best Judge award was granted to Jūlija Jerņeva, an alumna of the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Law and a multiple-time participant in various international moot court competitions.
Information about the students' achievements was published in the journal Jurista Vārds on December 28, 2010, Issue No. 52 (647).
In 2009, the Moot Court Competition was won by University of Latvia Faculty of Law students Dainis Pudelis, Laura Emse, and Andrejs Stupins.
The Best Oralist award was given to Rihards Veinbergs, while the Best Judge award was granted to Gunārs Kusiņš, a lecturer at the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Law and the Head of the Legal Bureau of the Saeima.
Information about the students' achievements was published in the journal Jurista Vārds on January 5, 2010, Issue No. 1 (596).
In 2008, the Moot Court Competition marked a significant milestone—its 10th anniversary. The competition was won by University of Latvia Faculty of Law students Māra Stabulniece and Vairis Dmitrijevs.
Vairis Dmitrijevs was also awarded the Best Oralist prize based on a joint decision by the organizers and judges. The Best Judge award was granted to Anita Kovaļevska, a lecturer at the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Law.
Information about the students' achievements was published in the journal Jurista Vārds on December 23, 2008, Issue No. 48 (543).
In 2007, the Moot Court Competition was won by University of Latvia Faculty of Law students Zane Sedlova and Silvija Kuškina.
The Best Oralist award was given to Zane Sedlova, while the Best Judge award was granted to Debora Pāvila, an alumna of the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Law and a multiple-time participant in various international moot court competitions.
Information about the students' achievements was published in the journal Jurista Vārds on January 29, 2008, Issue No. 4 (509).
In 2006, the Moot Court Competition was won by University of Latvia Faculty of Law students Mārtiņš Pēdājs, Sandis Vilcāns, and Roberts Ginters.
The Best Oralist award was given to Kristīna Lufta, while the Best Judge award was granted to Mārtiņš Paparinskis, an alumnus of the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Law and a multiple-time participant in various international moot court competitions.
Information about the students' achievements was published in the journal Jurista Vārds on January 2, 2007, Issue No. 1 (454).
In 2005, the Moot Court Competition was won by University of Latvia Faculty of Law students Līna Kovalevska and Evisa Trepša.
The Best Oralist award was given to Martins Osis. For the first time, a Best Judge award was introduced, and it was presented to Māris Lejnieks, a lecturer at the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Law.
Information about the students' achievements was published in the journal Jurista Vārds on January 3, 2006, Issue No. 1 (404).
In 2004, the moot court competition was officially named after Professor Kārlis Dišlers. The competition was won by University of Latvia Faculty of Law students Kristaps Bērziņš and Reinis Bērziņš.
The Best Oralist award was given to Ieva Bērziņa.
Information about the students' achievements was published in the journal Jurista Vārds on December 21, 2004, Issue No. 49 (354).
In 2003, for the first time, the moot court competition was organized by the European Law Students' Association Latvia (ELSA Latvia). The competition was won by University of Latvia Faculty of Law students Ilze Koka and Helēna Stare.
This year also marked the introduction of the Best Oralist award, which was presented to Kristaps Bērziņš.
In 2002, the Moot Court Competition was won by University of Latvia Faculty of Law students Lauris Brikmanis, Gatis Melnūdris, and Mārtiņš Paparinskis.
In 2001, the Moot Court Competition was won by University of Latvia Faculty of Law students Jānis Bite, Gatis Druvietis, Arnis Ulmanis, and Uģis Zeltiņš.
In 2000, the Moot Court Competition was won by University of Latvia Faculty of Law students Andis Burkevics, Rūdolfs Eņģelis, Vitālijs Platpirs, and Kristīne Valdniece.
In 1999, five senior students from the University of Latvia Faculty of Law initiated the idea of organizing a national-level moot court competition for law students in Latvia, inviting all universities offering legal studies to participate.
The competition was structured into two phases: a written and an oral round. A moot problem was developed, presenting a specific legal issue, allowing participants to construct well-reasoned arguments for both sides of the dispute. Each student team, consisting of 3–4 members, prepared written submissions advocating for both the claimant and the respondent. These submissions were evaluated by experienced legal professionals. The teams with the highest scores in the written round advanced to the oral round, where they had to present their arguments before a panel of judges in a simulated court hearing, representing both the claimant and the respondent.
The first moot court problem did not focus on constitutional law but rather on civil law topics. Additionally, the competition was not yet named after Professor Kārlis Dišlers—this recognition was only introduced in 2003.
The winners of the first national moot court competition in Latvia were University of Latvia Faculty of Law students Arnis Buka (now a lecturer at the University of Latvia), Kristīne Jarinovska, Laine Škoba, and Elīna Ūsiņa.