World win for Auckland legal debating team

A University of Auckland team has won an international legal debating contest in Spain.

Jonathan Orpin and James Townshend beat McGill University from Canada in the world final of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Competition held in Barcelona last week.

The case they argued concerned a dispute between two countries over the sale and operation of commercial remote sensing satellites.

The finals of the Lachs Moot, established in 1992, are judged by three sitting members of the International Court of Justice.

Auckland University dean of law Professor Paul Rishworth was delighted at the success.

"In this competition we pit ourselves against some of the world's most eminent law schools. It is gratifying that once again our students have come out on top."

- NZPA