The first Telders Competition was organized in 1977 on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the founding of the Telders International Law Students Debating Society. Due to its success the Competition has been held annually ever since at the Peace Palace in The Hague. Nowadays it is considered to be the most prestigious and important international moot court in Europe. Teams from over forty European universities compete in national rounds, with the successful teams participating in the international rounds held in April in The Hague.

The main objective of the Competition is to stimulate students to excel in international law. Participating students are educated in legal practice and principles such as the rule of law, civil society, and fair play. It is a unique opportunity for the students to enhance personal skills and to encourage teamwork and European integration.

In the Telders International Law Moot Court Competition student teams are presented with a fictitious case between two states. This dispute is put before the United Nations’ principal legal organ, the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Each student team has to represent the states in a substantial manner both in writing and through oral pleadings before moot courts. These memorials and pleadings are judged by legal experts including judges from the International Court of Justice and the Iran–United States Claims Tribunal. The active involvement of such highly qualified professionals ensures the high standard of the Competition.

Professor Dr Benjamin Telders, after whom the Competition is famously named, became a professor extraordinarius of international law at Leiden University in 1931 at the age of 28. He was respected for his sharp mind and had the honour to represent the Netherlands frequently, including before the Permanent Court of International Justice. During the Second World War, Professor Telders stood up for his belief in the rule of law and civil society. Even four and a half years' imprisonment did not break him morally or mentally, but made him more determined. He continued to write about international law, using a small pencil and matchsticks. Professor Telders died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, nine days before its liberation in April 1945.

Throughout its existence the Telders Competition has enjoyed the support of several prominent members of the ICJ and the international legal world. Former chairs of the Supervisory Board of the Competition include the late Judge C.-A. Fleischhauer, Judge Stephen M. Schwebel (ICJ), and Judge Gilbert Guillaume (former president, ICJ). The current chair is Judge Bengt Broms (Iran–United States Claims Tribunal).

The 32nd round of the Competition will be held at the Peace Palace, The Hague, on 16–18 April 2009. The Telders Organizing Office at the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies (Campus The Hague/Leiden University) is responsible for its organization.

If you require any additional information please visit our website at www.grotiuscentre.org (click on ‘Telders Moot Court’).