Media Law Moot Court Report

by Flora Eisenmenger and Ana Neagu

For one week in February 2025, the University of Vienna once again showcased its legal excellence at the European Rounds of the Monroe E. Price Media Law Moot Court Competition. Hosted by Université Paris Cité and organized by the University of Oxford, the competition brought together some of the most talented student teams from across Europe. After months of preparation, our team succeeded in qualifying for the prestigious International Rounds in Oxford, England in April 2025.

The Price Media Law Moot Court Competition focuses on international law, in particular the right to freedom of expression and its boundaries in a rapidly evolving digital world. This year’s case was centered on a social media influencer operating in the midst of political turmoil, with core questions regarding the legal responsibilities of online platforms, the regulation of artificial intelligence, and the intersection between freedom of speech and the right to a private life. The relevance of the case to current global challenges could hardly have been more evident.

Our team - composed of Flora Eisenmenger, Ana Neagu, Anna Lehner, Ljubica Mitić, Lorenz Thöni and Viktor Zlabinger - worked intensely over five months, meeting weekly to analyze the case, draft two comprehensive memorials, and refine their oral advocacy skills. Under the dedicated guidance of our coaches Adriana Winkelmeier and Michael Schmidbauer, the team not only qualified for the International Rounds but also built a strong foundation of teamwork, legal reasoning, and rhetorical precision.

Following our success in Paris, we intensified our preparation for the Oxford rounds. The University of Vienna generously provided the financial support that enabled us to travel and represent our university for this competition, an opportunity for which we are deeply grateful.

In Oxford, the competition took on a new dimension. Hosted by the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights at the University of Oxford, the International Rounds were accompanied by a week of lectures, discussions, and networking opportunities. We had the chance to attend inspiring talks by leading professors, meet law students from all over the world, and engage in social events that allowed for meaningful exchanges of ideas and experiences.

The competition itself was intense and demanding. Our team faced some of the world’s top law schools, many of which had won the Price Moot Court multiple times before. It was in this environment that we had to show strong resilience, adaptability, and legal clarity. We are proud to have held our ground and delivered compelling pleadings across three high-level rounds, before narrowly exiting the competition just before the octofinals.

One of the most memorable moments of the week was the formal closing ceremony, held in the historic Sheldonian Theatre, an iconic site where Oxford students traditionally celebrate their graduation. Very few outsiders ever get to experience the inside of this magnificent building, and it was an honour to be welcomed there. The ceremony gathered judges from all over the world, each bringing with them fascinating insights into global human rights law and stories from their careers. It was a fitting and inspiring conclusion to an unforgettable experience.

The Price Media Law Moot Court Competition was more than just a contest, it was an academic and personal journey. We return to Vienna not only with new skills and knowledge but with lasting memories and international friendships. We are proud to have represented the University of Vienna and thank everyone who made this achievement possible.