The International Institute of Space Law (IISL) introduced the Africa introductory round of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition in 2011, which was held in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2012, the 1st Africa Regional Round was hosted in Pretoria, South Africa, by the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI), an initiative of the South African Department of Trade and Industry managed by the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research). Four participating universities representing South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria, sent teams to the 1st Africa Regional Round.
The competition is a simulated hearing in the area of space law and is organised annually by the IISL. The participating regions consist of Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America and Africa (added in 2012).
This competition encourages further development on the subject matter of space law in the curriculum of academic institutions and assists participating countries in developing the technical legal capacity by preparing the next generation of space lawyers. The competition provides a platform for the students, where the analysis, drafting, presentation and arguing skills of an upcoming lawyer are put to test.
The winner of the regional round will represent the Africa region at the World Finals, to be held in conjunction with the International Astronautical Congress.
Deadlines
Deadline for Submission of Requests for Clarifications: 15 January 2019
Deadline for the Author of the Problem to give Response to Requests for Clarifications: 31 January 2019
Registration deadline: 13 February 2019
Deadline for Memorials: 13 March 2019
Regional Oral Rounds in Pretoria, South Africa: 9-10 May 2019
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Registration Form for the Africa region |
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Official Lachs Moot rules |
IISL Young Scholars Awards
The IISL Young Scholars Fund was created in 2011 to support the achievements of students participating in each of the four Regional Rounds of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition. The Fund grants monetary awards in the following categories:
- Winning Team: 200 Euros
- Team with the Best Memorials: 125 Euros
- Best Oralist of the Regional Round: 100 Euros
The Young Scholars Fund has been formed and is largely maintained by donations from IISL members, to honor the very significant achievement of these students.
Winners of the 2018 Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition
In 2018, for the first time, an African team – made up of students from the University of Pretoria – has won the International Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition.
The 2018 Manfred Lachs Moot Court Competition Winning Team — (c) Melissa K. Force
Contact
Nomfuneko Majaja
[email protected]