April 7, 2023

In the 10th National College Students Environmental Resources Moot Court Competition held on March 4 and March 5, the SZU team clinched the national third prize.

The competition was conducted both online and offline, gathering over 100 teachers and students from 20 prestigious colleges and universities across China, including Wuhan University, East China University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Tianjin University, and Shenzhen University. Competing in the same group as this year's champion and runner-up, the SZU team exhibited composure and excellence. Despite their remarkable performance, they conceded to the Tianjin University team after a rigorous contest. Alongside Wuhan University, East China University of Political Science and Law, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, and others, Shenzhen University jointly secured the third prize. Professor Zhou Wei of the School of Law was honored with the "Outstanding Instructor Award," while undergraduate student Lv Yifan from the class of 2020 received the "Outstanding Player Award."

01. Contest Introduction

The National College Students Environmental Resources Moot Court Competition holds significant influence in the realm of environmental law. Co-sponsored by the National "2011 Plan" Collaborative Innovation Center for Judicial Civilization, the Judicial Research Center for Environmental Resources of the Supreme People's Court, the China Environmental Protection Federation, and Hohai University, it receives support from the Supreme People's Court, the Higher People's Court of Yunnan Province, and the Higher People's Court of Jiangsu Province.

02. Participating Team

Led by Professor Zhou Wei of the Law School and coached by Lv Sixuan, a graduate student majoring in Economic Law from the class of 2021, this year's SZU team comprised undergraduates Lv Yifan, Zhu Yangli, Kong Ziru, Huang Linlin, Huang Haohui, and Mai Jiabei as key players, with Tong Ruonan and Zhang Yuling serving as reserve players.

(From left to right: Huang Linlin, Lv Yifan, Zhu Yangli, Kong Ziru, Mai Jiawei, Huang Haohui)

03. Preparation

Originally slated for April 15-16, 2022, the competition underwent three postponements due to the pandemic. Despite the challenges, SZU team members diligently trained since February 2022, meticulously studying the three case topics: "Criminal case of illegal hunting and killing of migratory birds in Poyang Lake with an incidental civil public interest action," "Criminal case of illegal occupation of agricultural land with an incidental civil public interest action," and "Civil dispute over liability for water pollution."

Amidst the postponements, the implementation of new judicial interpretations related to the competition topics, particularly the "Interpretation by the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate of Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in Handling Criminal Cases of Destroying Wild Animal Resources," necessitated significant adjustments in preparation strategies. However, with unwavering determination, team members meticulously addressed simulation deficiencies, substantially enhancing their courtroom defense skills.

Additionally, on May 29, 2022, team students conducted a courtroom simulation on the preliminary case of "Criminal case of illegal hunting and killing of migratory birds in Poyang Lake with an incidental civil public interest action" during the first Environmental Rule of Law Salon on "Customs, Jurisprudence, and Judicial Practice of Wildlife Protection" hosted by the School of Law. Notable figures in the field provided detailed feedback and valuable advice to aid in competition preparation.

Conclusion

Despite the pandemic-related postponements from spring 2022 to spring 2023, the preparation journey persisted, thanks to the dedication of an exceptional and supportive team. Through perseverance, they honed their simulation skills and ultimately reaped the rewards.

The 2022 National College Students Environmental Moot Court Competition concludes successfully. Once again, the school extends gratitude to all who supported the endeavor: Professor Zhou for his meticulous guidance, Ms. Lv Sixuan for her unwavering assistance, and alumni Huang Yunjing, Luo Liangtian, and Sheng Yuhuang for their invaluable advice. Special thanks are also extended to undergraduates Li Lexuan, Song Yanling, Luo Anqi, Li Qingmian, Chen Xinbei from 2019, and Su Yingtong and Feng Yun from 2020 for their early-stage assistance. Lastly, appreciation is expressed to the leaders and faculty of the Law School for their continuous support and encouragement.

The 2023 National College Students Environmental Moot Court Competition is slated to take place offline at Tianjin University in mid to late November this year. The School of Law hopes for continued success as students pass the torch and strive for excellence.