Adelaide Law School International Activities: January - May 2025

Madeleine McNeil: The 115^th University Rhodes Scholar

Later this year, Madeleine McNeil, a graduate of the Adelaide Law School, will begin reading for the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) at Oxford University (Magdalen College) as the University of Adelaide’s 115^th Rhodes Scholar.

Madeleine McNeil was the Valedictorian of her class at the University of Adelaide, graduating with First Class Honours in the Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Philosophy.

University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Peter Høj AC congratulated Ms McNeil on her achievements: ‘On behalf of the University community, I extend my congratulations to Madeleine, who is continuing a proud tradition of University of Adelaide Rhodes Scholars,’ he said.  ‘Madeleine has already achieved a remarkable amount in her career through her hard work and dedication, and has immersed herself in University life.  These achievements highlight the nurturing and challenging focus we provide our students while supporting them to achieve their academic dreams.  I am confident Madeleine’s time as a Rhodes Scholar will be just as successful and I have no doubt she will go on to make a significant impact in her chosen field.’

Madeleine note that ‘I’m going to focus on delineating a methodologically coherent approach for applying human rights law during international tribunals adjudication of criminal responsibility.  I will use this research to contribute to the administration of post-conflict justice, with a particular focus on the pressing need to end impunity for Russia’s atrocities in the 21st century.’

In 2024, Madeleine was champion of the 21st Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Moot in Hong Kong, with her partner Annalise Delic.

Research Unit for Military Law and Ethics (RUMLAE): 2025 Maritime Security Cooperation Workshop

RUMLAE Director, Prof Dale Stephens (in his reserve Navy capacity) participated as a presenter and course manager in the 2025 Maritime Security Cooperation Workshop held in Canberra from 7 to 11 April.

The workshop was run by the Indo-Pacific Centre for Military Law (IPCML) and brought together 25 participants from across the Indo-Pacific region. Topics covered during the workshop included Law of the Sea, Freedom of Navigation, Maritime Law Enforcement, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations, Status of Vessels, Coastal State jurisdiction, Maritime Piracy, Boarding, Seizures and Maritime Evidence Collection.

The workshop also benefitted greatly from Prof Matthew Stubbs (in his Naval reserve capacity) presenting on key topics concerning maritime law enforcement under both Australian national law and international law. With 70% of the world comprising ocean and with 90% of world trade being conducted by sea, it is critical that the legal rights and obligations concerning maritime law and maritime law enforcement are understood and respected. The workshop was focused upon maritime security cooperation and allowed participants from many Navies and law enforcement agencies across the region to exchange information, to discuss best practice approaches and to create professional networks.

International IHL Mooting Achievement

In March, Emma Colovic and Ms Evelyn Vincin Walker were runners up in the Grand Final of the Red Cross International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Moot (Asia-Pacific) in Hong Kong.

Emma and Evelyn were representing the University of Adelaide after winning the Australian National IHL Mooting competition that was held last year in Hobart.

The International IHL Moot competition was held over 4 days and included 24 teams from across the Asia-Pacific region. Most of the teams participating in Hong Kong had been national champions in their respective national competitions and it is a testament to Emma and Evelyn's talent and legal acumen that they made their way through several very competitive rounds of mooting to reach the Grand Final. Emma and Evelyn’s final moot was against the team from Singapore Management University and they put in a brilliant effort: in fact, the judges noted that it was a very close-run outcome. In addition to winning the Runners Up trophy for the competition, the team was awarded the best Defence Memorial and third best Prosecution Memorial. Equally impressive was Evelyn winning the prize for the third best overall speaker in the preliminary rounds.

This year’s problem considered the pressing issues of cyber and technological warfare through questions of proportionality, distinction, and fundamental liberties. Teams were challenged with defining armed attacks in an ever-changing military landscape, as well as answering the major question of to whom fault should be attributed for the use of autonomous weapons systems which result in outcomes contrary to IHL.

The University of Adelaide Law School has enjoyed considerable success in this field. In the past 12 years that the IHL and Advocacy subject has been taught, five teams from the Law School have won the National IHL Moot competition and two of those have gone on to win the International Championship. Now — thanks to Emma and Evelyn — the Law School can add an impressive Runners Up Trophy to a very full cabinet shelf.

 Jessup Moot Competition

In February, our 2025 Jessup Team competed in the Australian rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. Our team—Sahar Al-Dulaimi, Eton Williams, Samuel Rees, and Joy Heng—took out 5^th Place after the preliminary rounds, showcasing their exceptional legal acumen, and narrowly missed out on semi-finals.  The team won the Best and Fairest Award, unanimously voted by other teams— a testament to their exemplary sportsmanship and integrity in the competition—and 3^rd Prize for Respondent Memorials, highlighting their superior written advocacy skills.  Eton Williams received Honourable Mention for his oral arguments—a testament to his outstanding advocacy skills. These accomplishments are a testament to the team’s dedication, hard work, and the expert guidance of their coach, Madeleine McNeil. Thanks also goes to Dr Peta Spyrou for facilitating and supporting the team.