THEMIS 2015 Semi-final B

Second 2015 THEMIS semi-final held!
The Judicial Training Institute (JTI) of Belgium held the second 2015 THEMIS semi-finals competition from May 18to 21. Over 4 days, 8 teams from across Europe defended their written papers and debated challenging issues with fellow team members as well as the assembled jury members.

During the 3 days of the competition, each team had 90 minutes to defend its written paper and debate challenging issues with fellow teams members as well as the assembled jury members.

The jury had the difficult task of nominating the two finalists for the Grand Final, which will be held in Bucharest in November. After the deliberations, Team France 2 and Team Romania 2 were selected as finalists.

In addition to the competition itself, a special guest, Mr Stefaan Ghesquiere, provided a comprehensive presentation about the Belgian judicial system. He then commented on the significance of this speaking opportunity. "When EJTN asked me to present the Belgian judicial system to the 2015 Themis Competition, I did not hesitate to answer positively. Being able to attend such an international gathering always is an interestering occasion to meet future magistrates from other EU Member States and to share experiences and to be able to reappreciate one's own judicial system."

"I enjoyed an equal opportunity as my colleages in the Themis Competition today, when I had the opportunity, during my law studies, to participate in the 2007 Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition. The Belgian participants to the Themis Competition of last year, my colleague-trainees, had many words of thanks for EJTN and our own Institute for Judicial Training for their experience last year. I strongly believe that the participants to this year's Themis Competition will not only learn valuable skills for their future carreers in the judiciary but will also be able to build, in a European spirit, lasting contacts with colleagues of neighbouring countries."

Several participants also provided feedback and comments about the competition.

EJTN especially thanks the three jury members: Mr. Marc, baron Bossuyt, Emeritus Professor, University of Antwerp, Emeritus President, Constitutional Court of Belgium; Ms. Marie Linton, Associate Professor, co-opted judge from Sweden; and, Mr. Victor Hall, Family Mediator and Arbitrator, Former Family Law barrister and Family Law Circuit Judge, England and Wales as well as former Director of Studies, Judicial Studies Board of England and Wales, and former Secretary General of EJTN.

EJTN also warmly thanks the Competition’s hosting institution, the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) of Belgium.

Now in its tenth year, EJTN is proud of the growth of the THEMIS Competition over the years.

(L-R) Team Romania 2, Team France 2 and jurors Ms Marie Linton and Mr Marc, Baron
Bossuyt.