The University of Kinshasa recently offered a unique opportunity to its law students by organizing a mock trial competition in domestic and international law. This event, organized by the association “Cassation toge noire”, allowed participants to put their legal knowledge into practice by confronting real-life cases.
Under the enlightened patronage of Professor Tshibangu Kalala, this competition aimed to train future lawyers by combining theory and practice of law. Indeed, the real strength of a lawyer lies in his ability to apply the law in a concrete manner, by skillfully navigating between legislation, jurisprudence and doctrine. It is with this in mind that students were encouraged to write judicial briefs and argue their arguments before a mock court.
Professor Lumu Mbaya, Head of the Human Law Department at Unikin, stressed the importance of this competition as a preparation for students for international competitions. The winners of this event will indeed represent the university and the country in world-renowned legal competitions, thus highlighting the talent and competence of future Congolese lawyers.
The reactions of the winning students testify to the enrichment that this experience brought them. Tshaboyi Kwete, designated as the best litigator, stressed the importance of reconciling the theory and practice of law to become a seasoned lawyer. For her part, Makengo Phanuel, distinguished as the best litigator, stressed the importance of exploring new legal subjects such as international mother law.
At the end of this competition, the best team was awarded the prestigious “Tshisekedi wa Mulumba” prize, highlighting the excellence and dedication of Unikin students. This competition also confirmed the reputation of the university, as evidenced by the recent remarkable performance of its students in the International Criminal Court competition.
Ultimately, this mock trial competition in domestic and international law was not only a springboard for future Congolese lawyers, but also highlighted the University of Kinshasa’s commitment to academic excellence and practical training for its students. This unique experience will undoubtedly remain etched in the participants’ memories, preparing them for a promising future in the legal field.