The project “European Court of Human Rights Moot Court” was successfully carried out at the Caucasus School of Law. The project was led by Tamar Avaliani, Affiliated Associate Professor at Caucasus School of Law.
The project brought together third- and fourth-year students of Caucasus School of Law, who underwent two months of intensive theoretical and practical training in international human rights law and the procedures of the European Court of Human Rights.
The aim of the project was to provide students with in-depth knowledge of international human rights protection mechanisms, help them understand the importance of strategic litigation, and develop their legal reasoning, advocacy, courtroom, and professional skills.
As part of the project, participants attended specialized training sessions on the specific features of proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights, admissibility criteria, procedural rules, and the particularities of oral hearings. These sessions were conducted by the project leader, Tamar Avaliani, Affiliated Associate Professor at Caucasus School of Law.
One of the key components of the project was a series of meetings with practicing lawyers, human rights defenders, and representatives of academia, who shared their professional experience and insights with the participants.
On May 29, students met with Tamar Aleksidze, Lecturer at Tbilisi State University, who introduced participants to international and national standards for the protection of freedom of expression.
On June 4, a meeting was held with Irakli Kandashvili, Chair of the Georgian Bar Association, who spoke to students about the importance of the legal profession, professional responsibility, and contemporary legal challenges.
On June 15, participants met with Tamar Kapanadze, International Lawyer for Strategic Litigation at the non-governmental organization Partnership for Human Rights, who introduced students to the practical aspects of effective litigation within international human rights protection mechanisms.
On June 18, renowned lawyer Tariel Kakabadze delivered a training session titled “How to Win a Case.” The session focused in particular on the role of a lawyer during court hearings, effective argumentation techniques, and essential professional skills.
The final stage of the project - a simulated oral hearing before the European Court of Human Rights - was held at Caucasus University on June 21, 2026. During the proceedings, students represented both the applicant and the respondent party, namely the respondent state, and presented their legal positions in accordance with professional standards.
Based on the results of the oral hearing, the winning team was selected, and its members received certificates of achievement. Certificates were also awarded to all project participants. In addition, the best speakers of the competition were announced, with first, second, and third places awarded accordingly.
The judges of the moot court were:
- Tamar Avaliani - Affiliated Associate Professor at the Caucasus School of Law, Chair of the Human Rights Protection and International Law Committee of the Georgian Bar Association, and lawyer;
- Manuchar Tsimintia - Member of the Human Rights Protection and International Law Committee of the Georgian Bar Association, lawyer, and mediator;
- Nino Elbakidze - Former Executive Director of the organization Article 42 of the Constitution and lawyer with many years of experience in proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights.
The project gave students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in practice, work on real legal issues, develop their courtroom advocacy and legal argumentation skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the work of the European Court of Human Rights.
Caucasus School of Law will continue to implement student-centered projects that promote practical learning, support students’ professional development, and enhance their competitiveness in the legal field.
