An interuniversity moot court competition focusing on key issues in criminal law and criminal procedure was held in Aghveran on October 10-11 as part of the cooperation between the YSU Faculty of Law and the German Foundation for International Legal Cooperation (IRZ). A total of nine teams from YSU, the French University in Armenia, Vanadzor State University, Northern University, Shirak State University and Eurasia International University applied to participate.
Five teams advanced to the oral round after receiving the highest scores from an independent jury: YSU-1, YSU-2, UFAR-1, Vanadzor State University's Vincit Veristas team and the Northern University team.
In his opening remarks, Dean of the YSU Faculty of Law Professor Harutyun Khachikyan welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in the educational process.
According to the dean, interuniversity moot court competitions help strengthen partnerships and create a learning environment in which students translate their theoretical knowledge into practical skills in critically evaluating facts, interpreting the law and developing well-reasoned arguments.
He noted that the academic value of such competitions lies in fostering independent research, courtroom conduct and professional ethics through the development and examination of legal positions. They also help reinforce the values of human rights protection and the rule of law as fundamental principles guiding the work of future legal professionals.
In this context, Professor Khachikyan highlighted the importance of cooperation with IRZ as an effective means of exchanging international professional expertise, improving the quality of legal education and strengthening ties between university education and legal practice.
The semifinals took place on October 10, followed by the final on October 11.
The YSU-2 team won the award for "Best Prosecution Position in the Written Round," while the UFAR-1 team from the French University in Armenia received the award for "Best Defense Position in the Written Round."
Judge Serzhik Avetisyan of the Criminal Chamber of the Court of Cassation of Armenia presented awards to all participating teams in the category "Recognition of the Significance and Best Application of Decisions of the Court of Cassation of Armenia."
Milena Aghasyan of the YSU-2 team received the award for "Best Research Potential."
Armen Arakelyan of the Northern University team received the "Best Orator" award, established by the Academy of Justice.
Mariam Jalalyan of the French University in Armenia team received the "Best Interpretation of Armenian Legislation" award, established by the Ministry of Justice.
The YSU-2 team received the "Best Oral Argument for the Prosecution" award, established by the Prosecutor General's Office.
Nane Ghochikyan of Vanadzor State University's Vincit Veristas team received the "Best Oral Argument for the Defense" award, established by the Academy of Advocates.
The special award established by the YSU Faculty of Law went to the YSU-1 team.
Winfried Schubert of Germany, former President of the Higher Regional Court in Naumburg and former President of the State Constitutional Court of Saxony-Anhalt, presented symbolic gifts to the YSU-2 and Vanadzor State University Vincit Veristas teams.
The jury declared Vanadzor State University's Vincit Veristas team the winner of the competition, awarding it the "Winner's Cup" established by the YSU Faculty of Law and IRZ.
