The Beginning – The First Step Towards Justice
On December 10, 2023, our legal journey began. We entered the European Courtroom League – a competition simulating trials before the European Court of Human Rights. Our task was to create a 6-minute video analyzing the case of Maja and Sebastian – students at a vocational culinary school who, due to the mayor’s decision, lost access to education. Budget cuts led the municipality to abolish free transportation for people with disabilities. With no alternative, Maja and Sebastian were forced to leave school. Could the authorities deprive them of their right to education? Was their protest lawful? Our news program-style film presented the problem from multiple perspectives, referencing the Polish Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights. The jury appreciated our argumentation and creativity – we won the Special Prize and advanced to the semifinals.
Semifinal – A True Test of Skills
On January 8, 2024, we faced our first trial simulation. Sixteen of the best teams from Poland competed. This time, we had to defend the municipality’s decision, arguing that transportation was not a legal obligation. It was no easy task – our older opponents challenged us fiercely, and the judges posed complex questions. We had to act under pressure, adjust our arguments, and strictly adhere to the law. After the first round, we were unsure of advancing, but our intuition told us we had done everything we could. In the second round, we were more confident – our argumentation impressed the jury. The verdict: a place in the final and the titles of “Best Speakers.”
Final – The Decisive Battle
On March 12, 2024, the grand final took place at the European Solidarity Centre in Gdańsk. Out of sixteen teams, only four remained. In the first round, we acted as the claimant, fighting for Maja and Sebastian’s rights. Our opponents – high school seniors – were excellently prepared, but we had a clear mission: to prove that education is a right, not a privilege. We seized every opportunity to present strong arguments, meticulously citing the ECHR jurisprudence. At a critical moment, we boldly invoked the Court’s rules, which proved decisive.
Victory – A Dream Come True
After thirty minutes of waiting for the verdict, our hearts were pounding. The judges announced the results: Law for Hope – 296 points. First place. We looked at each other in shock. We had won. The youngest participants defeated older rivals, proving that age matters less than strength of arguments, determination, and passion.
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