Symbiosis Law School, Pune – International Criminal Trial Advocacy Competition (SICTA)
Symbiosis Law School, Pune initiated SICTA to extend the sphere of International Criminal Trial Advocacy in India. Modeled on the Rome Statute and the procedures of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, SICTA is one of the only competition of its kind in India, apart from ICC’s India rounds held annually in New Delhi.
Key Objectives and Unique Features:
Global Reach and High Standards:
- SICTA was conceptualized to attract premier institutions worldwide and promote excellence in international trial advocacy.
- It provides a unique platform to simulate ICC proceedings, encouraging students to understand and participate in global dispute resolution and adjudication.
- Our YouTube videos have garnered hundreds of thousands of views, showcasing their popularity and strong audience engagement.
International Participation and Prestige:
- Now in its tenth edition, SICTA has garnered worldwide recognition, with participants from countries like the U.K., Poland, Kenya, Malaysia, South Africa, Kuwait, Nepal, China, and Bangladesh.
- Each edition is known for high-caliber participation and exemplifies commitment to international trial advocacy.
Focus on Contemporary International Issues:
- Participants engage in legal debates on critical international issues, representing cases based on the Rome Statute and ICC procedures.
- The competition is conducted in the format of a trial-based simulation, providing an in-depth experience of ICC practices.
Holistic Simulation Experience:
- The moot problem, or Moot Compromis, along with witness testimonies, are crafted to represent all three sides of a trial: prosecution, defense, and victim.
- Volunteers acting as witnesses are pre-briefed on case facts and testimonies to ensure authenticity in the courtroom simulation.
Competition Structure and Rounds:
Preliminary Rounds:
- SICTA includes three preliminary rounds, during which teams must argue on behalf of each side (prosecution, defense, and victim).
- Teams conduct examinations and cross-examinations of witnesses for all three sides, reflecting the real-life challenges of ICC procedures.
Preparation and Judging Criteria:
- Teams receive time to prepare their witnesses prior to rounds to ensure readiness and cohesion.
- Judges evaluate teams on the quality of arguments, adherence to ICC procedures, and effectiveness in examining and cross-examining witnesses.
Organizational Framework:
Student Bar Association (SBA):
- The SBA of Symbiosis Law School, Pune, plays a pivotal role in conducting SICTA, with enthusiastic volunteers and team members dedicated to its success.
- Through SICTA, Symbiosis Law School, Pune continues its commitment to the international legal community, offering a prestigious platform for students to excel in advocacy and advance their understanding of international criminal law.
