Challenges for law students: the first stage of the National Competition in Law takes place at INJ

The National Institute of Justice is hosting, starting today, May 5, 2025, the National Law Competition, a competition dedicated to students of the law faculties of the Republic of Moldova.

The competition was inaugurated through an official ceremony during which inspirational messages were sent by the representatives of the organizing institutions: the Director of the National Institute of Justice, Ramona Strugariu, the Minister of Justice, Veronica Mihailov-Moraru, the Head of the Office of the Council of Europe in Chisinau, Falk Lange, and the interim Head of the Child Protection program at UNICEF Moldova, Tatiana Danilescu.

Reflecting on the importance of the event, Ramona Strugariu said the following: "It is a great joy and honor for us to host this competition with young people who represent a valuable human resource for everything that is the backbone of the justice system. I hope you will find yourself in this competition and see you again at the National Institute of Justice as listeners and, later, as future judges and prosecutors. The career of a magistrate, beyond its inherent complexities, remains one of the nobler vocations, essential for the future of any democratic society."

For her part, Veronica Mihailov-Moraru mentioned the following: "Today, the Republic of Moldova is in a historic process - that of European integration. It is a path that takes us out of our comfort zone, makes us responsible and offers us the hope of succeeding in building a European Moldova. And you, the students, are the continuity of this process. I encourage you to be involved and never tire of being curious. The Ministry of Justice, as well as other relevant public institutions, need your contribution and skills to strengthen the legal system."

The competition, lasting three days, brings together six teams of students from higher education institutions: the State University of Moldova, the "Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu" State University from Cahul, the "Ștefan cel Mare" Academy, the International Free University of Moldova, the "Alecu Russo" State University from Bălți, and the "Constantin Stere" University of European Political and Economic Studies.

The competition is structured in two distinct sections: solving practical cases in the fields of criminal law, criminal procedure, civil procedure and civil procedure, followed by a stage of judicial simulation. Competitors' performances will be evaluated by a jury of experienced legal professionals.

The event is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Justice and the National Institute of Justice, in partnership with the Office of the Council of Europe in Chisinau, the United Nations Children's Fund and the Union of Lawyers from the Republic of Moldova. This initiative aims not only to test theoretical knowledge, but also to develop the ability to critically analyze and solve complex legal problems, being an investment in the formation of a generation of lawyers dedicated to democratic values ​​and the principles of the rule of law.