Background
In August 2000, the Department of Law at HELP University College successfully organised the First Law Olympiad. The overwhelming response could be seen from the 24 teams who had participated. Encouraged by this, the Department made a commitment to make this an annual event.

The Law Olympiad extended its popularity to the Northern Region in 2003 to Ipoh and in 2004 to Penang. The competition in these cities is held once every 2 years. Here too the competition has achieved resounding success.

8 July 2010 - KK (8am- 2pm)
17 July 2010 - Penang (8am- 2pm)
24 July 2010 - KL (8am-4pm)
31 July 2010 - JB (8am- 2pm)

Format
Every year, since 2000, an average of 38 teams from various schools in the Klang Valley participates in the Law Olympiad.

The competition is open to Secondary School students, Forms 3 onwards, whereby each school may send not more than 2 teams comprising of 5 participants. The prime objective of the competition is to encourage analytical and critical thinking skills in students and hopefully, develop an interest in the study of law or related disciplines. The criteria used in adjudication are based purely on logic, common sense and reasonableness and not knowledge of the law.

The theme of the competition is ‘esprit de corps’ which when translated means team spirit. Team spirit is an essential trait to be possessed in succeeding in the competition as the participants have to collaborate effectively.

The competition comprises of 5 games (which may be subject to change) namely ‘Whodunnit?’, Trivia Quiz, ‘What’s Your Verdict?’, ‘Guess What’ and ‘Best Alibi/Plea’.

Each Law Olympiad ends with a presentation of an exhibition mock trial organised by the members of the teaching faculty of the Department of Law and law undergraduates. The trial generally focuses on a socio-legal issue which is of great concern to the public at large such as child abuse, maid abuse, murder and domestic violence.

Prizes
Cash prizes, medals and certificates are awarded to the winners and certificates of participation to the rest.

Champions take home a cash prize of RM1500, the Challenge Trophy and medals; the 1st Runner-up a cash prize of RM750 and medals; and the 2nd Runner-up a cash prize of RM500 and medals.

Contact
Sivamalar Sivapragasam of HELP Law Department
02 20992912 / 03 2094 2000
sivamals [at] help [dot] edu [dot] my