The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) hold a meeting to advance preparations for a moot court competition, on September 25. Supplied
The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) have advanced their plans for the Cambodian Moot Court Competition, which aims to strengthen the legal expertise of Cambodian law students and contribute to judicial reform.
The Khmer language competition will give students practical experience in courtroom advocacy and legal research through simulated case scenarios.
A moot court simulates court or arbitration proceedings, in a supported environment.
In attendance at the September 25 meeting at the ECCC’s multi-purpose hall were representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and universities from Phnom Penh, as well as from Battambang and Siem Reap provinces.
Tony Kranh, secretary of state of the Office of the Council of Ministers and acting director of administration of the ECCC, emphasised the importance of the meeting.
“Today’s meeting is critical to ensure the smooth and consistent preparation for the upcoming Cambodian Moot Court Competition," he said.
He explained that the competition will help law students to deepen their understanding of legal principles and advocacy in the courtroom, through practical case scenarios and legal research.
“[The competition] will contribute to judicial reform in Cambodia and help build human resources in the judiciary. This programme will help strengthen legal knowledge and the judiciary, based on principles of justice, neutrality, transparency and good governance,” he added.
Koe Khemlin, deputy director-general of the General Department of International Affairs and Justice Development, representing the justice ministry, also shared his support for the contest.
“I think this will be a very good programme. It will allow students, especially undergraduates, to compete in the field of justice. The more the moot court programme develops, the better students will understand our legal system,” he explained.
Kol Pheng Vathana, education ministry undersecretary of state, was also in favour of the competition.
“I think this is a good starting point, and I strongly support it. This shows that Cambodia is moving forward, especially in the judiciary, allowing our students to gain confidence, experience in debating in court and more knowledge of the legal system, giving them the ability to stand on the international stage,” he said.
The competition, which will run from September 2024 to March 2025, includes several phases. They include memorial submissions and preliminary oral rounds, with final oral rounds scheduled for March next year. The participants will earn the chance to receive recognition through trophies, medals and scholarships.
