An interuniversity moot court competition focused on issues of criminal law and criminal procedure was organized in Aghveran under the initiative of YSU Faculty of Law and the German Foundation for International Legal Cooperation (IRZ).
Among the nine teams from various universities across the Republic of Armenia that applied to participate in the competition, based on the results of the written phase, the following teams advanced to the oral phase: two teams from Yerevan State University, as well as teams from Shirak State University, Vanadzor State University, the French University in Armenia, and the Northern University.
On the first day of the competition, held from October 17 to 19, Harutyun Khachikyan, Dean of YSU Faculty of Law, Doctor of Legal Sciences and Professor, delivered the opening remarks. He emphasized that organizing moot court competitions serves as a valuable incentive for students to develop their professional skills, showcase their knowledge in public debates, and acquire new expertise.
The significance of the competition was further highlighted by Nelly Tumasyan, Project Coordinator of the Yerevan office of the German Foundation for International Legal Cooperation (IRZ). She noted that this initiative plays a crucial role in deepening students’ professional knowledge and enhancing their practical abilities.
Additionally, Anna Margaryan, Head of the Chair of Criminal Law at YSU Faculty of Law, Doctor of Legal Sciences and Professor, delivered an opening address. She emphasized that the moot court competition provides students from various universities with the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and competencies, while engaging with legal experts from both Armenia and Germany, thereby broadening their skills and understanding.
The composition of the moot court jury was highly representative and included judges Mkhitar Papoyan and Robert Papoyan from the Criminal Court of Appeal of the Republic of Armenia; Armen Muradyan, Prosecutor of the Administrative Districts of Kentron and Nork-Marash; Winfried Schubert, former President of the Constitutional Court of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany; and Armine Fanyan, member of the Chamber of Advocates of the Republic of Armenia.
Based on the results of the first two competitive days, the teams awarded the highest scores by the jury—"La Balance" from the French University in Armenia and "YSU-2" from Yerevan State University—faced off in the final round held on October 19. By unanimous decision of the jury, the "YSU-2" team from Yerevan State University was declared the winner.
The organizers of the moot court, along with various institutions and officials representing the legal community, awarded special prizes to the competition participants. For the representatives of the winning team, YSU Faculty of Law provided a special award in the form of named scholarships.
Prizes in various categories were awarded by the Armenian Academy of Advocacy, the Office of the Prosecutor General, the Academy of Justice, and the Association of Judges.
At the conclusion of the competition, the jury members, organizers, and representatives of the participating teams shared their impressions, all emphasizing that the event provided an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences, establish new connections, and deepen professional understanding and practical skills.
