“Freelandia” case heard – Denmark’s Club ‘Lannung’ Wins 11th Trans-European Moot Court Competition

During November 22, Civil Rights Defenders organised the 11th Trans-European Moot Court Competition, in Strasbourg. The event has brought together two teams – “Henrik Steska” from Ljubljana, Slovenia, and “Lannung” from Copenhagen, Denmark, which won their regional competitions earlier this year.

Trans-European Moot Court Competition is the event that brings together winners of the Regional Moot Court Competition for Southeast Europe and winners of the Nordic Moot Court competition. After months of hard work and preparations, the teams met in Strasbourg before the European Court of Human Rights, to practice their competencies in human rights laws and present a case in a real court setting.

Representing both state and family of “Freelandia”

This year’s hypothetical case, brought before the European Court of Human Rights, centers on the Jensen family from Freelandia, who claim their rights under the European Convention on Human Rights were violated. The teenage son, Gustav, was convicted of drug-related offenses and sent to a youth home. After serving his sentence, the family faced eviction due to a law enabling landlords to evict tenants linked to disturbances. They lost their home, jobs, and stability. Additionally, Gustav was subjected to movement restrictions and an ankle monitor, which the family argues unfairly punished him after his sentence. They allege procedural unfairness in his trial and the administrative decisions. Freelandia defends its actions as necessary to combat rising youth crime and ensure public safety, asserting compliance with national and international laws. The family seeks relief for what they consider disproportionate consequences of a single mistake Therefore, they have turned to the European Court of Human Rights, which has determined that their application has been filed in time and is admissible. 

After competing in two matches, during which each team had a chance to perform as both, an Applicant and Respondent State, the judges have announced this year’s winner – Club “Lannung” from Copenhagen.

Intense training and networking

Civil Rights Defenders has been organising Regional Moot Court Competition since 2007, and Trans-European competition since 2013. It has become one of the organisation’s long-lasting traditions. For many students of law faculties in Europe, it has become a valuable opportunity to develop their competences, network, as well as meet judges and future colleagues from different countries and regions.

This year’s Trans-European Moot Court Finals were organised with the support of the Council of Europe We are grateful to the Council and all participants and judges who have been with us through all these years. Please enjoy the video summary of the competition.