Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Respondent Memorial 2011
Respondent Memorial 2011
IN THE
YEAR 2011
THE CASE CONCERNING CONFLICTING ORDERS OF THE COURTS OF
BOLITA AND GARUNDI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES................................................................................................I
STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION...................................................................................XI
STATEMENT OF FACTS..................................................................................................XII
QUESTIONS PRESENTED..............................................................................................XIV
SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS........................................................................................XV
BODY OF ARGUMENTS
THE RESPONDENT STATES COURTS HAVE JURISDICTION AND THE
STATES HAVE JURISDICTION WITHIN THEIR TERRITORY AND APPLY THEIR LAWS TO THEIR
RESIDENTS.........................................................................................................................3
1.2
1.3
IN THE ALTERNATIVE THE RESPONDENT STATE HAS NOT VIOLATED THE E U TREATY.........5
1.3.1
THE E U TREATY DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT OF EACH
OTHERS COURT ORDERS SANS JURISDICTION.....................................................................6
1.3.2
RESPECT AND COMITY FOR EACH OTHERS LAWS DOES NOT IMPLY COMPLETE ADOPTION
APPLICANT STATES LAWS..................................................................................................7
D. M. HARISH MEMORIAL GOVERNMENT LAW COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE RESPONDENT STATE BEING THE STATE OF EMILYS NATIONALITY AND DOMICILE HAS
2.1
2.2
IN THE ALTERNATIVE, THE STATE IN WHICH THE CHILD IS HABITUALLY RESIDENT IS BEST
SUITED TO DETERMINE MATTERS PERTINENT TO THE CHILD S CUSTODY..........................14
2.2.1
2.2.2
WRONGFUL
REMOVAL OR RETENTION..............................................................................................16
2.2.3
2.3
2.4
3
3.1
3.2
PRAYERS...........................................................................................................................XVII
D. M. HARISH MEMORIAL GOVERNMENT LAW COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2011
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
UN DOCUMENTS AND RESOLUTIONS
Page No.
14
United Nations Charter, as amended June 26, 1945, 892 U.N.T.S. 119
JUDICIAL DECISIONS
A.Z. v. B.Z., (Mass. 2000) 725 N.E.2d 1051
Genocide (Bosnia and Herzegovina v. Ser and Montenegro), [2007] I.C.J. Rep. 160 ff
Association of Lawyers for Peace and Four Other Organizations v. State of the
Barcelona Traction, Light & Power Co. (Belg. v. Spain), [1970] I.C.J. Rep. 3
12
10
6, 9, 17
Canada Malting Co. v. Paterson Steamships, Ltd. (1932) 285 U.S. 413, 422
8, 9
18, 20
Case Concerning the Northern Cameroons (Cam v. UK), [1963] I.C.J. Rep.
Case Concerning the Payment of Various Serbian Loans Issued in France, (1929)
14
19
Committee of US Citizens Living in Nicaragua v. Reagan case (1988) 859 F.2d 929
I
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INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
Competence of the General Assembly for the Admission of a State to the United Nations,
15
Cooper Distributing Co., Inc. v. Amana Refrigeration, Inc., (3d Cir. 1995) 63 F.3d 262
6, 7
Doe v. Attorney Gen., (Mich. Ct. App. 1992) 487 N.W.2d 484 at 486, 487
E. Mohd. Kassim and Co. v. Seeni Pakir-bin Ahmed AIR 1927 Md. 265.
16
14
Ferguson v. McKiernan, (Pa. Super. 2004) 855 A.2d 121, 2004 Pa. Super. 289
Golden Acres Ltd. v. Queensland Estates Pty. Ltd., [1969] St. Robert. Qd.378.
12
2, 13
6, 17, 20
12
12
In re Adoption of Baby Boy S., 22 Kan. App. 2d 119, 126, 912 P.2d 761, rev. denied 260
Kan. 993, cert. denied 519 U.S. 870, 117 S. Ct. 185, 136 L. Ed. 2d 123 (1996)
In re Baby M, (N.J. 1988) 537 A.2d 1227
7, 9
12, 13
In re Zalewski's Estate, 292 N.Y. 332, 55 N.E.2d 184, 157 A.L.R. 87 (1944).
12
International Woollen Mills v. Standard Wool (U.K.) Ltd. (2001) 5 SCC 265
II
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INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
Interpretation of Peace Treaties with Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania, [1950] I.C.J.
J.F. v. D.B., (Pa. Ct. Comm. Pl. 2004) 66 Pa. D. & C. 4th 1
7, 9
Jhordan C. v. Mary K., (1986) 179 Cal. App. 3d 386, 224 Cal. Rptr. 530
7, 10
Kays Leasing Corp. Pty. Ltd. v. Fletcher, (1964) 116 C.L.R. 124
15
Land and Maritime Boundary between Cameroon and Nigeria (Cameroon v. Nigeria:
12
Lithgow and Others v. the United Kingdom, ECHR, Series A, No. 102
M v M (Abduction: England and Scotland), [1997] 2 FLR 263 at 274 (per Millet LJ)
15
2, 13
Malaysia Int'l Shipping Corp. v. Sinochem Int'l Co. Ltd.,(3d Cir.2006) 436 F.3d 349.
Maritime Delimitation and Territorial Questions between Qatar and Bahrain (Qatar v.
12
2, 13, 16
3, 19
12
15
15
14
Oil Platforms (Islamic Republic of Iran v. United States of America), [2003] I.C.J. Rep.
3, 19
III
D. M. HARISH MEMORIAL GOVERNMENT LAW COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2011
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
People of Saipan ex rel. Guerrero v. United States Department of Interior (1974) 502
F.2d 90
Piper Aircraft Co. v. Reyno, 454 U.S. 235, 253 (1981)
18
1, 7, 9, 10
Ralli Bros v. Compania Naviera Sota y Aznar, [1920] 2 K.B. 287 (C.A.).
11, 12
15
15
15
17
10, 16
15, 16
12
15
14
11
14
10, 16
15
2, 13
14
2, 13
14
16
2, 13
15, 16
IV
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Seymour v. Stotski (1992), 82 Ohio App. 3d 87, 93, 611 N.E.2d 454
7, 10
15, 16
Sovereignty over Pulau Ligitan and Pulau Sipadan (Indonesia/Malaysia), [2002] I.C.J.
12
Suez, Sociedad General de Aguas de Barcelona S.A., Vivendi Universal S.A., AWG
Empl. Prac. Cas. (BNA) 1753, 29 Empl. Prac. Dec. (CCH) P 32782 (1982).
Tag v. Rogers (1959) 267 F.2d 664, 666
13
U.S. v. American Sugar Refining Co., 202 U.S. 563, 26 S. Ct. 717, 50 L. Ed. 1149
(1906)
Udny v Udny [1869] L.R. 1 Sc. & Div 441,450
12
Valentine v. U.S. ex rel. Neidecker, 299 U.S. 5, 17, 57 S. Ct. 100 (1936)
13
12
Vita Food products Inc. v. Unus Shipping Co. Ltd., [1939] 1 ALL ER 513
12
12
12
18
7, 8
V
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INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
David McClean, ed., Morris: The Conflict of Laws, 4th ed. (London: 1993)
12
14
7, 8
18
19
Lawrence Collins, gen ed., Dicey and Morris on the Conflict of Laws, 11th ed. (London:
5, 6, 7
M. S. Rajan, United Nations and Domestic Jurisdiction, 2d. ed, (London: 1961)
th
th
Nguyen Quoc Dinh, P. Daillier and A. Pellet, Droit International Public, 7 ed. (2002)
P.M. North and J.J. Fawcett eds. Cheshire and Norths Private International Law, 13th
11, 12, 13
13
1, 3, 11
1992) vol. 1
Rabel, Conflict of Laws: A Comparative Study, 2d. ed. (1958-64) vol 2
19
14, 15, 16
14
VI
D. M. HARISH MEMORIAL GOVERNMENT LAW COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2011
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
14
19
278
G.A. Res. 39/46, 39; U.N. GAOR, 39th Sess., Supp. No. 51 at 197, U.N. Doc. A/39/51
19
(1985)
Hague Conference on Private International Law, Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects
15
19
Model Treaty on Extradition, (1990) art.4(a), G.A.Res. 45/116, U.N. GAOR, 45th Sess.,
19
16
19
Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (May 23, 1969) U.N. Doc. A./CONF. 39/27
2, 3, 17, 19
Transnat'l L. 459
Developments in the Law: Medical Technology and the Law, (1990) 103
10
Harv.L.Rev.1519, 1550
Surrogate Gestator: A New and Honorable Profession (1993), 76 Marquette L.Rev.
10
675
Antonio Cassese, The International Community's Legal Response to Terrorism
19
18
Dawn Wenk, Belsito v. Clark: Ohio's Battle with Motherhood (1996) 28 U. Tol. L.
10
Rev. 247
Dolgin, Just a Gene: Judicial Assumptions About Parenthood (1993) 40 UCLA
VII
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INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
Gerald Fitzmaurice, The Law and Procedure of the International Court of Justice
10
18
20
Building In The Sharing Of Criminal Record Information (2008) 8 Chi.-Kent J. Int'l &
Comp. L. 111
Jenks, The Prospects of International Adjudication (1964)
15
20
10
10
6, 17
14
9, 10
Richard D. Kearney and Robert E. Dalton, The Treaty on Treaties (1970) 64 Am. J.
Technologies Challenge the Traditional Realm of Conflicts of Law (2009) 24 Wis. J.L.
Gender & Soc'y 25.
Stein, Rendition of Terrorists: Extradition versus Deportation (1989) Isr'l Yearbook
18
VIII
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INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
18, 19
18
14
18
MISCELLANEOUS
Adoption Act 1976 (U.K.), 1976, c. 36
14
14
14
2, 13
Committee on Foreign and Comparative Law, Association of the Bar of the City of New
14
Council Framework Decision of 13 June 2002 on the European arrest warrant and the
20
20
the European Union in the Course of New Criminal Proceedings (2 July 2007)
COM(2005/0018 (CNS)
D.C. Code Ann. 16-402(a) (1997)
12
13
14
14
Interpol, General Secretariat, Rapport sur la valeur juridique des notices rouges, ICPO-
20
Interpol, General Assembly, 66th Session, New Delhi, 15-21 October 1997,
AGN/66/RAP/8, No. 8 Red Notices, as amended pursuant to resolution No.
AGN/66/RES/7
Maurice Mendelson, The Subjective Elements in Customary International Law (1995)
15
76 BYIL 179.
Mich. Stat. Ann. 25.312(3)
10
IX
D. M. HARISH MEMORIAL GOVERNMENT LAW COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2011
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
18
18
18
33 I.L.M. 1598
The Indian Penal Code, 1860
11
14
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D. M. HARISH MEMORIAL GOVERNMENT LAW COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2011
STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION
STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION
The Applicant, the Republic of Bolita, on one side, and the Respondent, the Republic of
Garundi on the other, have submitted by Special Agreement their differences, pursuant to
Article 40, paragraph 1, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice. Therefore, both
parties have accepted the jurisdiction of the ICJ pursuant to Article 36(1) of the Statute of the
Court.
XI
D. M. HARISH MEMORIAL GOVERNMENT LAW COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2011
STATEMENT OF FACTS
STATEMENT OF FACTS
The Republic of Bolita and the Republic of Garundi: Bolita and Garundi formed an
economic union in 1978 with a common currency and monetary policy, respect and comity
for each others laws, free commerce and trade, easy travel and recognition and enforcement
of orders of each others courts. The economic union helped the two countries to develop
their economies, but created a unique set of challenges on the social and religious fronts.
International law is recognized by the Constitutions of both nations.
Citizenship Rules of Bolita and Garundi: Under Bolitian Laws, a child is a citizen of
Bolita if he is born in Bolita or he is born outside of Bolita but to Bolitian citizens. Children
born outside of Bolita to couples where only one parent is Bolitian are not entitled to
citizenship unless the Bolitian parent is resident in Bolita at the time of delivery. Garundian
Laws state that a child born in Garundi is a citizen of Garundi if its mother is a citizen of
Garundi. Children born outside of Garundi are citizens of Garundi if their parents are
Garundian citizens.
The Surrogacy Arrangement: Jane Rathna, a Garundian citizen decided to travel to Bolita
in 1992 and work there. While working there she married John Botisa in 1998 and in 2000
they had a daughter named Emily Rathna Botisa. Complications led Jane to undergo a
hysterectomy rendering her unfit to bear any more children. In 2003, John and Jane froze
their sperm and eggs, hoping to have future children by means of in vitro fertilization. In
2006, Janet Rathna (Janes sister - a Garundian citizen) agreed to carry the baby to term.
Janet was to deliver the child in Bolita for the child to clearly be a citizen of Bolita, but, in
her final trimester, Janet decided to fly back to Garundi due to family reasons. Soon after, she
developed complications, went into labour and delivered a baby boy Robert, in Garundi.
Jane and Emily immediately travelled to Garundi to bring Robert back to Bolita.
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STATEMENT OF FACTS
The Disagreement: The concept of was surrogacy was unknown in Garundi. Janet came
under tremendous local political and religious pressure not to hand over the child to Jane.
John flew into Garundi to take Emily back to Bolita but Jane insisted that Emily remain in
Garundi until the matter was resolved. John protested, but flew back without Emily.
Meanwhile, Janet changed her mind and decided not to hand over Robert to Jane. Janet then
filed with the Registrar of Births in Garundi as the mother of the child, naming the child
Robert Rathna and declaring the father to be unknown.
Legal Proceedings initiated in the Courts of Bolita and Garundi: Pursuant to Johns suit
for specific performance Bolitian court pronounced an ex parte interim order declaring itself
to have jurisdiction as per the surrogacy contract and ordering Janet to appear before the
court within 30 days with Robert for the matter to be resolved. John also initiated legal
proceedings before the courts in Garundi for an order to compel Janet to appear before the
courts in Bolita. Janet filed objections between the courts in Garundi stating that as per
Garundian laws, the child was a citizen of Garundi, Janet was his mother and so neither she
nor Robert should be compelled to travel to Bolita. Janet also filed objections before the
courts in Bolita, stating they had no jurisdiction over a Robert- a Garundian child. John filed
a claim before the courts in Bolita requesting that Jane be compelled to hand over custody of
Emily to him. Jane objected to the jurisdiction of the Bolitian courts. She also argued that the
best interests of Emily required that she remain with her and Robert. Jane also filed for
custody of Emily with the Garundian courts.
Criminal Proceedings: Johns lawyers in a tactical move initiated criminal proceedings
against Jane and Janet in the Bolitian courts. John accused Janet of stealing genetic material
and Jane of kidnapping a citizen of Bolita. The Bolitian courts issued arrest warrants to
ensure attendance and appearance of Jane and Janet. Bolitian authorities were considering
requesting Garundi to hand them over under the economic union treaty.
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D. M. HARISH MEMORIAL GOVERNMENT LAW COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2011
QUESTIONS PRESENTED
QUESTIONS PRESENTED
1.
2.
3.
WHETHER
THE
RESPONDENT
STATE
HAS
AN
INTERNATIONAL
XIV
D. M. HARISH MEMORIAL GOVERNMENT LAW COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2011
SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS
SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS
THE RESPONDENT STATES COURTS HAVE JURISDICTION AND THE
STATES HAVE JURISDICTION WITHIN THEIR TERRITORY AND APPLY THEIR LAWS TO
THEIR RESIDENTS
1.2
1.3
IN THE ALTERNATIVE THE RESPONDENT STATE HAS NOT VIOLATED THE E U TREATY
1.3.1
THE E U TREATY DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT OF EACH
OTHERS COURT ORDERS SANS JURISDICTION
1.3.2
RESPECT AND COMITY FOR EACH OTHERS LAWS DOES NOT IMPLY COMPLETE ADOPTION
APPLICANT STATES LAWS
THE RESPONDENT STATE BEING THE STATE OF EMILYS NATIONALITY AND DOMICILE
HAS JURISDICTION FOR HER CUSTODY ISSUE
2.2
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SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS
2.2.1
2.2.2
WRONGFUL
REMOVAL OR RETENTION
2.2.3
2.3
2.4
3
3.1
3.2
XVI
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BODY OF ARGUMENTS
BODY OF ARGUMENTS
It is humbly submitted that the Respondent States law will govern Roberts custody dispute
overriding any private choice of law arrangement.1 Robert was born in the Respondent State
and his mother is a citizen and resident of the Respondent State.2 Place of conception of child
carries little weight in choice of law determination. 3 Instead the local law of the state which
has the most significant relationship to the child and the parent is considered. 4
1.1
The principle corollaries of sovereignty5 and equality of states are jurisdiction, prima facie
exclusive, over its territory and the population living there and a right of non-intervention
against other states in the area of its exclusive jurisdiction. 6 The territorial principle provides
R.R. v. M.H., (Mass. 1998) 689 N.E.2d 790 at 793; Sonia Bychkov Green, Interstate Intercourse: How Modern
Assisted Reproductive Technologies Challenge the Traditional Realm of Conflicts of Law (2009) 24 Wis. J.L.
Gender & Soc'y 25.
2
Compromis 5.
3
In re Adoption of Baby Boy S., 22 Kan. App. 2d 119, 126, 912 P.2d 761, rev. denied 260 Kan. 993, cert. denied
519 U.S. 870, 117 S. Ct. 185, 136 L. Ed. 2d 123 (1996).
4
Compromis 4, 5; In the Interest of K.M.H., (2007) 169 P.3d at 1032.
5
Lotus case, (1927) PCIJ, Series A No. 10 at 18; 4 AD, p. 153; Island of Palmas case (US/Netherlands), (1928)
2 RIAA at 829, 838.
6
United Nations Charter, Art 2 (7); Declaration on Principles of International Law Concerning Friendly
Relations and cooperation Among States, UNGA, 1970, 65 AJ (1971), 243; D. P. OConnell, International Law,
2d. ed. (London: 1970) vol. 1 at 3224; P. Kooijmans, The Doctrine of the Legal Equality of States, (Leiden:
1964); R. Y. Jennings and A. D. Watts, eds., Oppenheims International Law 9th ed. (London: 1992) vol. 1 at
339; M. S. Rajan, United Nations and Domestic Jurisdiction, 2d. ed, (London: 1961) Nguyen Quoc Dinh, P.
Daillier and A. Pellet, Droit International Public, 7th ed. (Paris: 2002) at 428.
1
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BODY OF ARGUMENTS
jurisdiction based on concepts of allegiance or domicile. 7 Mere presence within a state grants
jurisdiction to that state.8 A court has inherent jurisdiction derived from the principle of
parens patriae to make a custody order in respect of minors who are present within its
jurisdiction overriding even orders of courts of his domicile. 9 Ordinary residence is another
criterion for jurisdiction. 10 Habitual residence means a regular physical presence which must
endure for some time. It means something more than ordinary residence.11 If the court has
jurisdiction it will apply lex fori.12 In case of concurrent claims on behalf of persons having
dual nationality the claim of the State with genuine link prevails. 13
In the instant case Robert has been resident in the Respondent State since his birth. He is not
only a citizen of the Respondent State but is also habitually resident and domiciled there. His
closest connection is with the Respondent State. It is the only environ he is acquainted with.
Consequently, it is humbly submitted that the Respondent State has jurisdiction over Roberts
custody dispute.
1.2
It is humbly submitted that the Economic Union treaty is not applicable to the present child
custody issue. A treaty must be interpreted in good faith14, in accordance with the ordinary
Rainford, Boston and Graham v. Newell-Roberts, ILR 30, 106; Royal Exchange Assurance v. Compania
Naviera Santi, SA ILR 33, 173; Colt Industries, Inc v. Sarlie, ILR 42 108; Malcolm N. Shaw, International
Law, 6th ed. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008) at 647.
8
Re P (GE) (an infant), [1965] 3 ALL ER 977 (Court of Appeal); Heslop v. Heslop, (1958) 12 D.L.R. (2d) 591;
Re Masterson, [1948] 2 D.L.R. 696; Maharanee of Baroda v. Wildenstein [1972] 2 All ER 689; See also the
Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982.
9
Re Willoughby, (1885) 30 Ch.D. 324 (C.A.); Re D., [1943] Ch. 305; McKee v. McKee, [1951] A.C. 352 (P.C.);
J.v. C. [1970] A.C. 668; Re P (GE), (an infant) [1965] Ch. 568 (C.A.); Re B.s Settlement [1940] Ch. 54.
10
Re P (GE), (an infant) [1965] Ch. 568 (C.A.); Scheffer v. Scheffer, [1967] N.Z.L.R. 466, 468; Re Walker and
Walker, (1970) 14 D.L.R. (3d) 342; Re L.L.A., (1981) 25 R.F.L. (2D) 208; Holden v. Holden, [1968] V.R. 334.
11
Cruse v. Chittum {1974] 2 ALL ER 940 (Family Division).
12
Re B.s Settlement [1940] Ch. 54; McKee v. McKee, [1951] A.C. 352 (P.C.); J.v. C. [1970] A.C. 668.
13
Barcelona Traction, Light & Power Co. (Belg. v. Spain), [1970] I.C.J. Rep. 3 at 98.
14
Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (May 23, 1969) U.N. Doc. A./CONF. 39/27 (1971), reprinted in
63 AM. J. INT'L L. 875, 876 (1969) Art 26 [Vienna Conv.]; Richard D. Kearney and Robert E. Dalton, The
Treaty on Treaties (1970) 64 Am. J. Intl Law 495 at 516.
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D. M. HARISH MEMORIAL GOVERNMENT LAW COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2011
BODY OF ARGUMENTS
meaning to be given to the terms of the treaty in their context and in light of their object and
purpose.15 It should be implemented in keeping with its object and purpose, 16 in accordance
with the intentions17 and expectations of the signatories. 18 The term the context envisages
that a provision that requires interpretation be illuminated by recalling what type of a treaty
this is.19 The principle of effectiveness20 cannot be used to attribute to the provisions a
meaning which would be contrary to their letter and spirit. 21 The object and purpose is the
effective implementation of friendship in the specific fields provided for in the Treaty, not
friendship in a vague general sense. 22 Again, where substantial rights are at stake, the court
will be wary to fill-in an omission. 23
At times ambiguity may be hidden in the plainest and simplest of words even in their
ordinary and natural meaning. 24 The inquiry in all such cases is as to what was intended in the
treaty by the contracting powers. 25 The words must be construed ejusdem generis.26 General
15
Vienna Conv. Art 31; Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of
Genocide (Bosnia and Herzegovina v. Serbia and Montenegro), [2007] I.C.J. Rep. 160 ff.; Sovereignty over
Pulau Ligitan and Pulau Sipadan (Indonesia/Malaysia), [2002] I.C.J. Rep. at 625, 6456; Kasikili/Sedudu
Island (Botswana/Namibia), [1999] I.C.J. Rep. at 1045; Territorial Dispute (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya/Chad),
[1994] I.C.J. Rep. at 6, 212; Maritime Delimitation and Territorial Questions between Qatar and Bahrain
(Qatar v. Bahrain), [1995] I.C.J. Rep. at 6, 18; See also R. Y. Jennings and A. D. Watts, eds., Oppenheims
International Law 9th ed. (London: 1992) vol. 1 at 1271.
16
LaGrand (Germany v. United States of America), [2001] I.C.J. Rep. 102; Gerald Fitzmaurice, Reservations
to Multilateral Treaties, (1953) 2 ICLQ 1 at 78, 1314; Gerald Fitzmaurice, The Law and Procedure of the
International Court of Justice (Cambridge: Grotius, 1986) at 2079; Restatement Third, Foreign Relations Law
of the United States 325(1).
17
Ambatielos (Greece v. United Kingdom), [1952] I.C.J. Rep. at 28; Hersch Lauterpacht, De lInterprtation
des Traits: Rapport et Projet de Rsolutions, (1950) 43 Annuaire de lInstitut de Droit International at 366.
18
Sumitomo Shoji America, Inc. v. Avagliano, 457 U.S. 176, 180, 102 S. Ct. 2374, 28 Fair Empl. Prac. Cas.
(BNA) 1753, 29 Empl. Prac. Dec. (CCH) P 32782 (1982).
19
Oil Platforms (Islamic Republic of Iran v. United States of America), (Separate Opinion of Judge Higgins)
[2003] I.C.J. Rep. at 225, 237.
20
Fisheries Jurisdiction (Spain v. Canada), [1999] I.C.J. Rep. at 432, 455.
21
Interpretation of Peace Treaties with Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania, [1950] I.C.J. Rep. at 221, 22630.
22
Military and Paramilitary Activities in and against Nicaragua (Nicaragua v. United States of America),
[1986] I.C.J. Rep. at 137 273.
23
Valentine v. U.S. ex rel. Neidecker, 299 U.S. 5, 17, 57 S. Ct. 100 (1936) (extradition treaty with France did
not permit the President discretionary authority to surrender U.S. citizens).
24
U.S. v. American Sugar Refining Co., 202 U.S. 563, 26 S. Ct. 717, 50 L. Ed. 1149 (1906); In re Zalewski's
Estate, 292 N.Y. 332, 55 N.E.2d 184, 157 A.L.R. 87 (1944).
25
Joseph T. Latronica, American Jurisprudence Treaties 2d. ed. 74 Am. Jur. 24.
3
D. M. HARISH MEMORIAL GOVERNMENT LAW COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2011
BODY OF ARGUMENTS
words near a specific list are not to be construed to their widest extent, but are to be held as
applying only to things of the same kind as those specifically listed. 27 It is humbly submitted
that read in its context the Treaty refers to disputes relating to purely economic matters.
1.2.1 SURROGACY
A treaty should be interpreted by reference to the circumstances prevailing when the treaty
was concluded.28 The doctrine of rebus sic stantibus relieves states of obligations that are
unforeseeable results of a treaty.29 It must be recognized that even the clear provisions of a
treaty must not be given effect, or must receive appropriate interpretation, when, as a result of
modifications in international life, their application would lead to manifest injustice or to
results contrary to the aims of the institution. 30
The concept of surrogacy is unknown in the Respondent State. Further, the E U treaty was
entered into in the year 1978 when the concept of surrogacy was was almost unknown
worldwide. The Respondent State and arguably the Applicant State entered into the E U
treaty without intent of its extending to surrogacy contracts.
1.3
26
Case Concerning the Northern Cameroons (Cameroon v. United Kingdom), [1963] I.C.J. Rep. 15 at 91; Ian
Brownlie, Principles of Public International Law, 6th ed. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003) at 604.
27
Cooper Distributing Co., Inc. v. Amana Refrigeration, Inc., (3d Cir. 1995) 63 F.3d 262.
28
Land and Maritime Boundary between Cameroon and Nigeria (Cameroon v. Nigeria: Equatorial Guinea
intervening), [2002] I.C.J. Rep. at 303, 346; Young Loan Arbitration (Belg. v. FRG), [1980] 59 ILR 495 at 544
5 Lithgow and Others v. the United Kingdom, European Court of Human Rights, Series A, No. 102, 117; D.W.
Greig, Intertemporality and the Law of Treaties, (London: 2001).
29
Suez, Sociedad General de Aguas de Barcelona S.A., Vivendi Universal S.A., AWG Group v Argentine
Republic, ICSID Case No. ARB/03/19; Rebus Revisited: Changed Circumstances in Treaty Law (2005) 43
Colum. J. Transnat'l L. 459.
30
Competence of the General Assembly for the Admission of a State to the United Nations, [1950] I.C.J. Rep. 4.
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1.3.1 THE E U TREATY DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT OF EACH
OTHERS COURT ORDERS SANS JURISDICTION
A foreign judgment is recognized when a court concludes that a certain matter has already
been legitimately decided, whereas the judgment is enforced when a party is accorded the
relief to which the judgment entitles him. 31
To be recognized and enforceable the right must have been created by the law of a law
district which had judicial jurisdiction in the international sense. 32 It is essential that the
foreign court should have had jurisdiction, not in the sense of the foreign law, but in the sense
of the respondent states rules of the conflict of laws. 33 Generally, the domestic laws of a
recognizing country require proper notice, proper jurisdiction, final and binding judgment,
and no violation of public policy. 34 Action will not lie upon an interlocutory order by a
foreign court.35 An ex parte decree passed by foreign Court is executable only if it is given on
merits of the case. 36
It is humbly submitted that the Respondent State is willing to recognise and enforce orders of
the courts of the Applicant State provided these orders were not passed without jurisdiction.
31
Robert B. von Mehren & Michael E. Patterson, Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in the
United States (1972) at 16.
32
Deva Prasad Reddy v. Kamini Reddy, AIR 2002 KAR 356; Vishwanatha v. Abdul Wazid, AIR 1963 SC 1;
Mohan Lal v. Prem Sukh, AIR 1956 Nag 273.
33
Lawrence Collins, gen ed., Dicey and Morris on the Conflict of Laws, 11th ed. (London: Stevens & Limited,
1987) at 421; see also Committee on Foreign and Comparative Law, Association of the Bar of the City of New
York, Survey on Foreign Recognition of U.S. Money Judgments 5 (2001).
34
Luke J. Umstetter , Enforcing Foreign Judgments: In Search Of A Treaty To Locate Assets Abroad (2007)
3 S.C. J. Int'l. L. & Bus. 85.
35
Gauthier v. Routh (1843), 6 U.C.Q.B. (O.S.) 602 (C.A.); Sheehy v. Professional Life-Assurance Co. (1857),
[FN2 C.B. (N.S.) 210]; affirmed [FN3 C.B. (N.S.) 597] (Ex. Ch.); see also Barned's Banking Co. v. Reynolds
(1875), 36 U.C.Q.B. 256 (C.A.); Canada (Attorney General) v. Schulze (1901), [FN9 S.L.T. 4] (costs awarded
by judgment in Canada on revenue case not recoverable in Scotland); Ruf v. Walter, [1990] 6 W.W.R. 661
(Sask. Q.B.) (costs enforceable if appearing in final judgment where all rights of parties determined).
36
International Woollen Mills v. Standard Wool (U.K.) Ltd. (2001) 5 SCC 265, AIR 2001 SC 2134; Trilochan v.
Dayanidhi, AIR 1961 Ori 158; R.E. Mohd. Kassim and Co. v. Seeni Pakir-bin Ahmed AIR 1927 Md. 265.
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1.3.2 RESPECT
AND COMITY FOR EACH OTHERS LAWS DOES NOT IMPLY COMPLETE
37
Hilton v. Guyot, (1895) 159 U.S. 113 at 202; Brown v. Gadson, 654 S.E.2d 179 (Ga. Ct. App. 2007); Ernest
G. Lorenzen, Huber's De Conflictu Legum, (1918) 13 Ill. L. Rev. 375 at 401; N. Jansen Calamita,
Rethinking Comity: Towards A Coherent Treatment of International Parallel Proceedings, (2006) 27 U. Pa. J.
Int'l Econ. L. 601 at 611.
38
Ernest G. Lorenzen, Story's Commentaries on the Conflict of Laws One Hundred Years After (1934) 48
Harv. L. Rev. 15; Joel R. Paul, Comity in International Law, (1991) 32 Harv. Int'l L.J. 1.
39
Joseph Story, Commentaries on the Conflict of Laws, 2d ed. (1841) 23.
40
Comprimis 5; AIR 1959 SC 1362, (1960) 1 SCR 493; Decker (Lowd) v. Decker, (2001) Oh. 2279; Dicey, at
1162.
41
The Assunzione, [1954] P. 150, 164 (C.A.).
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disposition of a child.42 Further, for an agreement to be a contract its object must be lawful. 43
Even if a surrogacy agreement constitutes a valid contract, based on legal, equitable and
moral principles, it is not enforceable, because a parent cannot bargain away his/her child. 44
Children are not property and their delivery cannot be ordered as a contract remedy on the
same terms that a court would, for example, order a breaching party to deliver a truckload of
nuts and bolts.45 Thus, an agreement in which a woman agrees to become a surrogate or to
relinquish her rights and duties as parent of a child thereafter conceived through assisted
conception is unconscionable46 and void.47
Furthermore, rigid application of lex loci contractus leads to incongruities.48 Intention of the
parties is only one of the factors to be taken into consideration. 49 The choice of foreign
jurisdiction and law is not effective in the Respondent State if there was no consensus ad
idem i.e. agreement as to choice of law, as per Respondent States laws. 50
It is considered dangerous51 to rely too much on the argument of ut res magis valeat quam
pereat which presumes that parties to a contract did not intend to be governed by a law by
42
Decker (Lowd) v. Decker, (2001) Oh. 2279; Seymour v. Stotski (1992), 82 Ohio App. 3d 87, 93, 611 N.E.2d
454; A.Z. v. B.Z., (Mass. 2000) 725 N.E.2d 1051.
43
Indian Contract Act, 1872 sec 10.
44
Jhordan C. v. Mary K., (1986) 179 Cal. App. 3d 386, 224 Cal. Rptr. 530 ; In re Interest of R.C., (Colo. 1989)
775 P.2d 27; Ferguson v. McKiernan, (Pa. Super. 2004) 855 A.2d 121, 2004 Pa. Super. 289, P6-P8.
45
Johnson v. Calvert, (Cal. 1993) 851 P.2d 776 Id. at 797 (Kennard, J., dissenting); Dolgin, Just a Gene:
Judicial Assumptions About Parenthood (1993) 40 UCLA L.Rev. 637, 659.
46
J.F. v. D.B., (Pa. Ct. Comm. Pl. 2004) 66 Pa. D. & C. 4th 1, 10-32.
47
R.R. v. M.H., (Mass. 1998) 689 N.E.2d 790; Uniform Status of Children of Assisted Conception Act,
Alternative B, 5, 9B U.L.A. 208 (Master ed. Supp. 1997); In re Baby M, (N.J. 1988) 537 A.2d 1227; In re
Marriage of Moschetta, 25 Cal. App. 4th 1218, 30 Cal. Rptr. 2d 893.
48
Cook, Logical and Legal Basis of Conflict of Laws, (1942) Chap. 14 at 380-88; Falconbridge, Selected Essays
on the Conflict of Laws, 2d. ed. (1954) at 376-77; Wolff, Private International Law, 2d. ed. (1950) 413;
Lorenzen , Selected Articles on the Conflict of Laws, (1947) at 287-88; Rabel, Conflict of Laws: A Comparative
Study, 2d. ed. (1958-64) vol 2 at 462.
49
Case Concerning the Payment of Various Serbian Loans Issued in France, (1929) P.C.I.J., Ser. A, no. 20;
Boissevain v. Wiel, [1949] 1 K.B. 482, 490 (C.A.); The Hollandia, [1983] 1 A.C. 565,576.
50
Mackender v. Feldia A.G., [1967] 2 Q.B. 590,598 (C.A.).
51
Lawrence Collins, gen ed., Dicey and Morris on the Conflict of Laws, 11th ed. (London: Stevens & Limited,
1987) vol. 2 at 1186.
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which their agreement would be invalid and has thus been rejected.52 Parties by choice of law
cannot give validity to an agreement that is illegal and void. 53 Whatever be the proper law, a
contract the performance of which is illegal according to lex loci solutionis will not be
enforced by its courts.54
The doctrine of forum non conveniens55 provides jurisdiction on considerations of
convenience, fairness, and judicial economy. 56 In the instant case the the subject matter of the
contract was Garundian and the whole transaction contemplated by the contract concerned
activities of a Garundian national, Janet. 57 Consequentially, the Respondent State has
jurisdiction over such transaction.
A.
The correct interpretation of a treaty on private international law must take into account the
recognition of the principle of order public as applied locally. 58 The contracting States
despite treaty obligations retain the right to enforce restrictions required by ordre public. 59 It
must be understood as containing an implied reservation authorizing, on the ground of public
policy, to overrule the application of the foreign law even if it is recognized as the proper
52
Etler v. Kertesz, (1960) 26 D.L.R. (2D.) 209, 222; Lindsay v. Miller, [1949] V.L.R. 13, 15.
Cook, Logical and Legal Basis of Conflict of Laws, (1942) at 427; Falconbridge, Selected Essays on the
Conflict of Laws, 2d. ed. (1954) at Chap. 16.
54
Ralli Bros v. Compania Naviera Sota y Aznar, [1920] 2 K.B. 287 (C.A.).
55
Gilbert v. Gulf Oil Co, 330 U.S. at 507; Canada Malting Co. v. Paterson Steamships, Ltd. (1932) 285 U.S.
413, 422; Piper Aircraft Co. v. Reyno, 454 U.S. 235, 253 (1981); American Dredging Co. v. Miller, (1994) 510
U.S. 443, 449 n. 2.
56
La Socit du Gaz de Paris v. Socit Anonyme de Navigation Les Armateurs Franais, [1925] 23 Lloyd's
List. Rep. 209, 213 (Sess.); Malaysia Int'l Shipping Corp. v. Sinochem Int'l Co. Ltd.,(3d Cir.2006) 436 F.3d 349.
57
Coast Lines Ltd. v. Hudig & Veder Chartering NV, [1972] 2 QB 34, [1972] 1 ALL ER 451; J. H. C. Morris
and P. M. North, eds., Cases and Materials on Private International Law, (London: Butterworths, 1984) at 67.
58
Case Concerning The Application Of The Convention Of 1902 Governing The Guardianship Of Infants
(Netherlands v. Sweden), [1958] I.C.J. Rep. 55 at 91 (Separate Opinion Of Judge Sir Hersch Lauterpacht), 74-78
(Separate Opinion of Judge Badawi), 102-09 (Separate Opinion of Judge Moreno Quintana).
59
Case Concerning The Application Of The Convention Of 1902 Governing The Guardianship Of Infants
(Netherlands v. Sweden), [1958] I.C.J. Rep. 55; see also Committee of United States Citizens Living in
Nicaragua v. Reagan case (1988) 859 F.2d 929 at 939; Tag v. Rogers (1959) 267 F.2d 664, 666; US v. Yunis
(No. 3) (1991) 724 F.2d 1086, 1091.
53
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law.60 Moreover, national legislation is on full parity with a treaty, so that a later statute
would render an earlier treaty null to the extent of any conflict. 61
The parties are at liberty to select the proper law of their contract, provided the choice is bona
fide and legal and provided there is no reason for avoiding the choice on the ground of public
policy. 62 Courts have on considerations of public policy and morality refused to enforce a
contract. 63 It seems absurd to enforce a contract against public policy, simply because it
happens to have been made somewhere else. 64
The state has a compelling interest in forbidding surrogacy agreements 65 to (1) prevent
children from becoming commodities; (2) protect the best interests of the child, which are not
preserved by surrogacy agreements; and (3) prevent the exploitation of women. 66 Overriding
even a choice of law clause surrogacy agreements have been held as contrary to public policy
and thus not enforceable.67 The conception of a child for relinquishment after birth poses
60
Case Concerning The Application Of The Convention Of 1902 Governing The Guardianship Of Infants
(Netherlands v. Sweden), [1958] I.C.J. Rep. 55 at 72 (Declaration of Judge Spiropoulos).
61
Breard v. Greene, (1998) 140 L.Ed. 2d 529; People of Saipan ex rel. Guerrero v. United States Department of
Interior (1974) 502 F.2d 90; Association of Lawyers for Peace and Four Other Organizations v. State of the
Netherlands, Nr C02/217HR; LJN: AN8071; NJ 2004/329.
62
Vita Food products Inc. v. Unus Shipping Co. Ltd., [1939] AC 277, [1939] 1 ALL ER 513 (Privy Council);
Kays Leasing Corp. Pty. Ltd. v. Fletcher, (1964) 116 C.L.R. 124; Golden Acres Ltd. v. Queensland Estates Pty.
Ltd., [1969] St. Robert. Qd.378.
63
Case Concerning The Application Of The Convention Of 1902 Governing The Guardianship Of Infants
(Netherlands v. Sweden), [1958] I.C.J. Rep. 55 (Separate Opinion Of Judge Sir Hersch Lauterpacht); Balfour v.
Balfour, (1919) 2 KB 571; Ratan Chand Hirachand v. Aksar Nawaz Jung, (1991) 3 SCC 67; Jaipur
Development Authority v. Daulat Mal Jain (1997) 1 SCC 35; The EEC Convention on the Law Applicable to
Contractual Obligations, Art. 16; Cheshire, Fifoot and Furmston, Law of Contract, 11th ed., (1986) Chaps. 11
and 12.
64
Rousillon v. Rousillon, (1880) 14 Ch. D. 351, 369; Greenshields Inc. v. Johnston (1981) 119 D.L.R. (3rd) 714.
65
A significant minority of States have legislation addressing surrogacy agreements. Some simply deny
enforcement of all such agreements. See Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. 25-218(A) (West 1991); D.C. Code Ann. 16402(a) (1997); Ind. Code Ann. 31-20-1-1, 31-20-1-2 (Michie 1997); Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. 722.855
(West 1993); N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law 122 (McKinney Supp. 1997), N.D. Cent. Code 14-18-05 (1991); Utah
Code Ann. 76-7-204 (1995). Others expressly deny enforcement only if the surrogate is to be compensated.
See Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. 199.590(4) (Michie 1995); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 9:2713 (West 1991); Neb. Rev. Stat.
25-21,200 (1995); Wash. Rev. Code 26.26.230, 26.26.240 (1996).
66
Doe v. Attorney Gen., (Mich. Ct. App. 1992) 487 N.W.2d 484 at 486, 487.
67
R.R. v. M.H., 689 N.E.2d 790 (Mass. 1998); Matter of Baby M., (1988) 109 N.J. 396, 537 A.2d 1227; Brown
v. Gadson, (Ga. Ct. App. 2007) 288 Ga. App. 323, 323-325, 654 S.E.2d 179; J.F. v. D.B., (Pa. Ct. Comm. Pl.
2004) 66 Pa. D. & C. 4th 1, 10-32; Radin, Market-Inalienability (1987) 100 Harv.L.Rev.1849, 1924; Capron
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grave ethical problems. 68 As a matter of public policy the state will not enforce or encourage
private agreements or contracts to give up parental rights. 69
B.
The guiding principle of child custody is the best interests of the child. 70 No private
agreement concerning custody can be conclusive as the determining factor is the best
interests of the child. 71 A contract cannot determine the best interests of a child. 72 The welfare
of the minor is the paramount consideration to which all others must yield, including the
order of a foreign court of competent
dehumanizing74 and commodifies75 women and children.76 This will reinforce oppressive
gender stereotypes and threaten the well-being of all children. 77
It is humbly submitted that as Robert has lived continuously in the Respondent State it is in
his best interests that jurisdiction and applicable law be granted to the Respondent State.
& Radin, Choosing Family Law Over Contract Law as a Paradigm for Surrogate Motherhood, in Surrogate
Motherhood, (1990) Gostin edit. 72 at 62, 63; Krimmel, Can Surrogate Parenting Be Stopped? An Inspection
of the Constitutional and Pragmatic Aspects of Outlawing Surrogate Mother Arrangements (1992) 27
Val.U.L.Rev. 1, 4-5.
68
Johnson v. Calvert, (Cal. 1993) 851 P.2d 776 at 793; Magisterium of the Catholic Church, Instruction on
Respect for Human Life in Its Origin and on the Dignity of Procreation: Replies to Certain Questions of the
Day 25 (Feb. 22, 1987), cited in Radin, Market-Inalienability (1987) 100 Harv.L.Rev.1849, fn. 271.
69
Belsito v. Clark (1994), 67 Ohio Misc. 2d 54, 644 N.E.2d 760 citing; Ingram, Surrogate Gestator: A New
and Honorable Profession (1993), 76 Marquette L.Rev. 675; Seymour v. Stotski (1992), 82 Ohio App.3d 87,
611 N.E.2d 454; Dawn Wenk, Belsito v. Clark: Ohio's Battle with Motherhood (1996) 28 U. Tol. L. Rev.
247.
70
Mich. Comp. Laws 722.23; Mich. Stat. Ann. 25.312(3); Avi Katz, Surrogate Motherhood and the BabySelling Laws (1986) 20 COLUM.J.L. & SOC. Probs. 1, 23.
71
R.R. v. M.H., (Mass. 1998) 689 N.E.2d 790; Johnson v. Calvert, (Cal. 1993) 851 P.2d 776 Id. at 789, 799-800
(Kennard, J., dissenting).
72
Baby M, (N.J. 1988)537 A.2d 1227, 1240 at 1246.
73
McKee v. McKee, [1951] AC 352 (Privy Council); Re E (D) (an infact), [1967] Ch 761 (Court of Appeal); Re
L (Minors), [1974] 1 ALL ER 913 (Court of Appeal).
74
Capron & Radin, Choosing Family Law Over Contract Law as a Paradigm for Surrogate Motherhood, in
Surrogate Motherhood, (1990) Gostin edit. 72 at 62.
75
Macklin, Artificial Means of Reproduction and Our Understanding of the Family, 21 Hastings Center Rep.
5, 10.
76
Radin, Market-Inalienability (1987) 100 Harv.L.Rev.1849, 1930-1932; Goodwin, Determination of Legal
Parentage in Egg Donation, Embryo Transplantation, and Gestational Surrogacy Arrangements (1992) 26
Fam.L.Q. 275, at p. 283.
77
Developments in the Law: Medical Technology and the Law, (1990) 103 Harv.L.Rev.1519, 1550; Mary
Becker, Four Feminist Theoretical Approaches and the Double Bind of Surrogacy (1994) 69 Chi.-Kent. L.
Rev. 303, 308.
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The citizenship laws of the Respondent State provide that, children born outside of Garundi
to Garundian citizens are citizens of Garundi. 79 Words should be interpreted in their ordinary
sense. 80 Moreover, the plural number includes the singular number. 81 Therefore, a child born
outside of Garundi [Emily] to a Garundian citizen [Jane] is a citizen of Garundi.
It is humbly submitted that Jane retained her domicile of origin in the Respondent State.82 It
is more difficult to prove that a person has abandoned her domicile of origin than to prove
she has abandoned her domicile of choice. 83 She continues to be domiciled there until she
78
P.M. North and J.J. Fawcett eds. Cheshire and Norths Private International Law, 13th ed. (LexisNexis
Butterworths: New Delhi, 1999) at 134 & 162.
79
Compromis 3.
80
R. Y. Jennings and A. D. Watts, eds., Oppenheims International Law 9th ed. (London: 1992) vol. 1at 1271.
81
The Indian Penal Code, 1860 s. 9; 1 U.S.C.. 1.
82
Compromis 4.
83
Re James (1908) 98 L.T. 438; Ramsay v. Liverpool Royal Infirmary [1930] A.C. 588.
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84
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domiciles due to their separation or any other reason, a childs domicile will be that of the
parent with whom he resides.98 Thus, Emily is domiciled in the Respondent State.
Additionally, Courts have jurisdiction if either of the parties are citizens of that country or
permanent or temporary residents of that country. 99 Moreover, mere presence within a state
grants jurisdiction to that state.100 A court has inherent jurisdiction derived from the principle
of parens patriae to make a custody order in respect of minors who are present within its
jurisdiction.101
2.2
A person's domicile depends to such an extent on proof of his intention, that only often it is
impossible to identify it with certainty without recourse to the courts. 102 Nationality is
objectionable103 as a criterion to determine the personal law.104 It may point to a country with
which the person in question has lost all connection or has never been connected105 or the
person may be stateless or may simultaneously be a citizen of two or more countries. 106 The
98
In re J.D.M.C., 2007 SD 97 (S.D. 2007); Domicile and Habitual Residence Act, SM 1983, C.C.S.M. c. D96,
Manitoba, s 9(1)(a).
99
Vellachi Achi v. Ramnathan, AIR 1973 Mad 141.
100
Re P (GE) (an infant), [1965] 3 ALL ER 977 (Court of Appeal); Heslop v. Heslop, [1958] 12 D.L.R. (2d)
591; Re Masterson, [1948] 2 D.L.R. 696; Maharanee of Baroda v. Wildenstein [1972] 2 All ER 689; See also
the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982 (U.K.), 1982, c. 27.
101
Re Willoughby, [1885] 30 Ch.D. 324 (C.A.); Re D., [1943] Ch. 305; McKee v. McKee, [1951] A.C. 352
(P.C.); J.v. C. [1970] A.C. 668; Re P (GE), (an infant) [1965] Ch. 568 (C.A.); Re B.s Settlement [1940] Ch. 54.
102
P.M. North, Private International Law of Matrimonial Causes in the British Isles and the Republic of Ireland
(1977) at 10-15; P.M. North and J.J.Fawcett eds. Cheshire and Norths Private International Law, 13th ed.
(LexisNexis Butterworths: New Delhi, 1999) at 161.
103
P.M. North and J.J.Fawcett eds. Cheshire and Norths Private International Law, 13th ed. (LexisNexis
Butterworths: New Delhi, 1999) at 161.
104
P.M. North, Private International Law of Matrimonial Causes in the British Isles and the Republic of Ireland
(1977) at 9-10; Law Com No 168 (1987), Scot law Com No 107 (1987) 3.10-3.11.
105
P.M. North and J.J.Fawcett eds. Cheshire and Norths Private International Law, 13th ed. (LexisNexis
Butterworths: New Delhi, 1999) at 160.
106
Totok v Torok [1973] 3 All ER 101, (1973) 1 WLR 1066.
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107
Re O' Keefe [1940] Ch 124, (1940) 1 All ER 216; Re Johnson [1903] 1 Ch 821.
Peter Pfund, The Hague Conference Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary (1993) 28 Tex. Int'l L.J. 531; Willis
Reese, The Hague Conference on Private International Law: Some Observations (1985) 19 Int'l Law 881;
Domicile and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1973 (U.K), 1973 c.45, ss. 5,6; Family Law Act 1986 (U.K.), 1986
c. 55, Parts I and III; Child Support Act 1991 (U.K.), 1991 c. 48, s 44(1); EC, Convention of 1998 on
Jurisdiction and the Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments in the Matrimonial Matters ( Brussels II),
[1998] OJ C221/2; Nessa v Chief Adjudication Officer (1998) 2 All ER 728 at 737, CA (Comments of Thorpe
LJ); de Winter (1969) III Hague Recueil 357, 419-454; Cavers (1972) 21 Am ULR 475.
109
Wills Act 1963 (U.K.),1963, c. 44; Adoption Act 1976 (U.K.), 1976, c. 36; Child Abduction and Custody Act
1985 (U.K.), 1985 c. 60; Family Law Act 1986 (U.K.), 1986 c. 55; Contracts (Applicable Law) Act 1990 (U.K),
1990 c. 36; EC, Convention of 19 October 1996 on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and
Co-operation in respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children, [1996] O.J. L
48/3 (also makes extensive use of habitual residence); Domicile and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1973 (U.K),
1973 c.45, ss 5,6; Family Law Act 1986 (U.K.), 1986 c. 55, Parts I and III; Child Support Act 1991 (U.K.), 1991
c. 48, s 44(1); EC, Convention of 1998 on Jurisdiction and the Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments in
the Matrimonial Matters ( Brussels II), [1998] OJ C221/2, (uses habitual residence as an alternative connecting
factor for jurisdiction), Nessa v Chief Adjudication Officer (1998) 2 All ER 728 at 737, CA (Comments of
Thorpe LJ).
110
Feder v. Evans-Feder, 63 F.3d 217 (3d Cir. 1995)
111
Re J (A Minor) (Abduction: Custody Rights), (1990) 2 AC 562; distinguised in Re S (A Minor) (Custody;
Habitual Residence) ( 1998) AC 750, HL
112
EC, Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 of 27 November 2003 concerning jurisdiction and the
recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and the matters of parental responsibility,
[2003] O.J. L 338, p. 1.
108
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indefinitely. 113 The settled intention can be for a limited period.114 The habitual residence of a
child is not fixed but may change according to the circumstances of the parent. 115 A father
can, consent to the childs being with the mother and lead to change of habitual residence.116
Moreover one parent may take no step to prevent the other parent from changing the child's
home, which over a period, may amount to acquiescence. 117 If a child has been living with its
mother even in defiance of a court order to return the child it would take the same habitual
residence as the mother.118
2.2.2 THE APPLICANT STATE CANNOT CLAIM
WRONGFUL
REMOVAL OR RETENTION
113
Re B (Minors) (Abduction), (No.2) [1993] 1 FLR 993; M v M (Abduction: England and Scotland), [1997] 2
FLR 263 at 274 (per Millet LJ)
114
M v M (Abduction: England and Scotland), [1997] 2 FLR 263 CA; Moran v Moran, [1997], SLT 541.
115
Re M (Minors) (Residence Order: Jurisdiction), [1993] 1 FLR 495 at 500, CA; Re A (Abduction: Habitual
Residence), [1998] 1 FLR 497 at 503; Re G (A Minor) (Enforcement of Access Abroad), [1993] Fam 216, CA;
Re B (Minors) (Abduction), (No 2) [1993] 1 FLR 993.
116
Re F (A Minor) (Child Abduction), [1992] 1 FLR, 548, CA.
117
Re F (A minor) (Child Abduction), [1992] 1 FLR 548 at 556-557, CA; See also Robertson v Roberston,
[1998] SLT 468; Sing v Singh [1998] SLT 1084.
118
Re B (Abduction: Children's Objections), [1998] 1 FLR 667 at 671; Clive, [1997], Jur Rev 137 at 145.
119
Hague Conference on Private International Law, Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International
Child Abduction, 25 October 1980, Hague XXVIII; EC, Convention of 19 October 1996 on Jurisdiction,
Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in respect of Parental Responsibility and
Measures for the Protection of Children, [1996] O.J. L 48/3.
120
Hague Conference on Private International Law, Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International
Child Abduction, 25 October 1980, Hague XXVIII, Art. 35.
121
Moshen v. Moshen 715 F. Supp. 1063 (D. Wyo. 1989); Koons v. Koons 615 N.Y.S.2d 563 (Sup. Ct. 1994).
122
Jenks, The Prospects of International Adjudication (1964) at 226.
123
Statute of the ICJ (1945), Art. 38(1)(b), T.S. No. 993, 59 Stat. 1055; Continental Shelf Case (Libya v Malta),
[1985] ICJ Rep 13; Maurice Mendelson, The Subjective Elements in Customary International Law (1995) 76
BYIL 179.
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claimant.124 It is humbly submitted that in the instant case neither can be established with
respect to wrongful removal or retention.
2.2.3 ARGUEDO,
The State wherefrom the child has been wrongfully retained cannot claim jurisdiction when
the other parent had consented to or subsequently acquiesced in the removal or retention.125
Consent must be inferred from Johns acquiescence and inaction. 126 One parent may take no
step to prevent the other parent from changing the child's home, which over a period, may
amount to acquiescence. 127 Moreover, a specific demand for Emilys return was never
made. 128 It is humbly submitted that Emily has not been wrongful removed or retained.
Consequentially, jurisdiction and applicable law to determine Emilys custody lies with the
state of her habitual, ordinary and mere residence, Respondent State.
2.3
The welfare of the minor is the paramount consideration to which all others must yield,
including the order of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction. 129 Notwithstanding the
conduct of the kidnapper courts can exercise jurisdiction if it is in the best interests of the
child.130 Best interests of children are that they remain where they are. 131 It is humbly
124
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submitted that being the State of both Janes and Emilys habitual residence and presence, the
Respondent State would be the most convenient, fair, amenable and inexpensive forum.
2.4
A treaty should be implemented in keeping with its object and purpose and cannot be
interpreted in violation of its text and purpose.132 Moreover, this matter does not fall within
the purview of dispute133 as defined under the Economic Union treaty. No orders
pertaining to the said custody dispute were passed by, either by the Applicant State or the
Respondent State. Therefore, contradictory decisions, in violation of the court orders of the
other state, never arose in the present case. Additionally, Comity is a discretionary act of
accommodation by which a sovereign recognizes within its territory the laws of a foreign
sovereign, as long as that recognition does not cause prejudice to the power or rights of such
government or of their subjects.134 The Respondent State is therefore not required to take
cognizance of the jurisdiction enforced by the Applicant State over Emilys custody dispute
on grounds of international comity. 135
131
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3.1
In the absence of a treaty obligation there exists no duty to extradite alleged criminals under
international law. 136 In such cases, extradition usually is effected by non-binding
consideration of reciprocity. 137 States can only act on the territory of other States if there is
permission to this effect in international law.138
Furthermore, the only crimes that might cause the obligation to extradite under customary
international law are international crimes, 139 such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war
crimes and the crime of aggression. 140 These crimes, if wide-spread and systematic, are of
concern to the international community as a whole.141 Jane and Janet have not committed any
such international crime. Consequently, the Respondent State is under no obligation to
extradite them.
136
Questions of Interpretation and Application of 1971 Montreal Convention Arising from Aerial Incident at
Lockerbie (Lib. v. U.K.), [1992] I.C.J. Rep. 3, 24 ; A. Watts & R. Jennings, eds., Oppenheim's International Law
(1992) at 950; Wise, The Obligation to Extradite or Prosecute (1993) 27 Isr. L. Rev. 282; Best Swart,
Refusal of Extradition (1992) Netherlands Yearbook Int'l L. 23, 214; Stein, Rendition of Terrorists:
Extradition versus Deportation (1989) Isr'l Yearbook Int'l L. 79, 282.
137
Bassiouni, Reflections on International Extradition in Festschrift Fur Otto Triffterer, K.Schmoller, ed.
(1996) at 727; William Hannay, International Terrorism and the Political Offence Exception to Extradition
(1979) 18 Colum. J. Transnat'l L. 383.
138
J. Brown, Diplomatic Immunity: State Practice under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
(1988) 37 ICLQ 49; Case Concerning The Arrest Warrant Of 11 April 2000 (Democratic Republic Of The
Congo v. Belgium) [2002] I.C.J. Rep. 3 at 181.
139
Bassiouni, Reflections on International Extradition in Festschrift Fur Otto Triffterer, K.Schmoller, ed.
(1996) at 729.
140
Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, (1998) 37 I.L.M. 999, arts. 5, 6, 7, 8; Secretary-General's
Report on Aspects of Establishing An International Tribunal for the Prosecutions of Persons Responsible for
Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia,
(1993) 32 I.L.M. 1159, arts. 4, 5; Security Counsel Resolution Establishing the International Tribunal for
Rwanda, (1994) 33 I.L.M. 1598, arts. 2, 3.
141
Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, (1998) 37 I.L.M. 999 at prmbl.
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Additionally, under customary international law, States do not have to extradite their own
nationals. 142 This is evidenced by the fact that many States have provided not to extradite
their own citizens in their constitutions and national legislations 143 and by inclusion of a
clause allowing to deny extradition of nationals in international legal instruments. 144
Finally, according to the principle aut dedere aut judicare, a State not extraditing an accused
person has to submit the case to its competent authorities for the purpose of prosecution.145
It is humbly submitted that since nothing in the Compromis points to the Respondent States
unwillingness to investigate or to prosecute, the Respondent State has the option to prosecute
and is under no obligation to extradite.
3.2
It is humbly submitted that the Economic Union treaty is applicable to only economic matters
and does not extend to criminal proceedings. Interpretation of a treaty cannot lead to
conclusions at odds with its object and purpose. 146 It would be inconsistent not only with the
wording of the Treaty, but also with its object, its purpose, its context, and the will of the
142
Geoffrey Freestone, Cooperation Against Terrorism, in Terrorism and International Law, R. Higgins et. al.
eds. (1997) at 46; Vieira, L'Evolution Recente de l'Extradition dans le Continent Americain (1984-II) 185
Rd.C. 236.
143
Ivan Anthony Shearer, Extradition in International Law, (1971) at 102; Vieira, L'Evolution Recente de
l'Extradition dans le Continent Americain (1984-II) 185 Rd.C. 236, 238; A. Watts & R. Jennings, eds.,
Oppenheim's International Law (1992) at 955.
144
European Convention on Extradition, Council of Europe, (Dec. 13, 1957) 359 U.N.T.S. 278 at art.6/1(a);
Treaty Concerning Extradition (Belg.-Lux.-Neth.), (Jun. 27, 1962) available at http://www.consilium.eu.int/ejn/;
Treaty on Extradition (U.S.-Mex.), (Dec 11, 1861) available at http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/avalon.htm;
Model Treaty on Extradition, (1990) art.4(a), G.A.Res. 45/116, U.N. GAOR, 45th Sess., U.N. Dec.,
A/RES/45/116; Inter-American Convention on Extradition, (Feb. 25, 1981) 20 I.L.M. 724, art. 7.
145
G.A. Res. 39/46, 39; U.N. GAOR, 39th Sess., Supp. No. 51 at 197, U.N. Doc. A/39/51 (1985); Convention
Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, (Aug. 12, 1949) 75 U.N.T.S. 287; Antonio
Cassese, The International Community's Legal Response to Terrorism (1989) 38 Int'l & Comp. L. Q. 593.
146
Vienna Conv. Art. 31, 32; See Above 1.2.
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parties. 147 Likewise, the provision of recognition and enforcement of orders of each others
courts cannot be read to include enforcement of arrest warrants.148 There is always a need for
a validation by the authorities of the State where the person mentioned in the warrant is
found.149 Arrest warrants issued by courts of a country do not receive automatic
implementation in third states.150 Member states of the European Union are not required to
take into account a conviction from another member state if: a national conviction would
have been possible for the same conduct or the sanction is unknown to the national legal
system.151 Neither can comity or respect for each other laws be extended to impose a binding
legal obligation on the Respondent State to adhere to all the laws of the Applicant State.152
Comity is restricted by international duty and convenience, and the rights of citizens or of
other persons who are under the protection of the States laws. 153
It is humbly submitted that treaty obligations are reciprocal and if such interpretation is
allowed then the Applicant State is under a legal obligation to adhere to all the domestic laws
of the Respondent State. Consequentially, the Applicant State is bound by the Respondent
States laws that do not provide for such extradition.
147
Certain Questions of Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (Djibouti v. France), [2008] I.C.J. Rep. at 101;
Oil Platforms (Islamic Republic of Iran v. United States of America), [1996] I.C.J. Rep. at 814 28; Military and
Paramilitary Activities in and against Nicaragua (Nicaragua v. United States of America), [1986] I.C.J. Rep. at
137 273.
148
See Above 1.3.1.
149
Case Concerning the Arrest Warrant of 11 April 2000 (Democratic Republic Of The Congo v. Belgium)
[2002] I.C.J. Rep. 3 at 181.
150
Interpol, General Secretariat, Rapport sur la valeur juridique des notices rouges, ICPO-Interpol, General
Assembly, 66th Session, New Delhi, 15-21 October 1997, AGN/66/RAP/8, No. 8 Red Notices, as amended
pursuant to resolution No. AGN/66/RES/7; Case Concerning the Arrest Warrant Of 11 April 2000 (Democratic
Republic of the Congo v. Belgium) [2002] I.C.J. Rep. 3 at 182 (Dissenting opinion of Judge Van Den
Wyngaert).
151
Council Framework Decision on Taking Account of Convictions in the Member States of the European
Union in the Course of New Criminal Proceedings (2 July 2007) COM(2005/0018 (CNS); Council Framework
Decision of 13 June 2002 on the European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between Member
States (2002/584/JHA) Art. 4; James B. Jacobs, Major Minor Progress Under The Third Pillar: EU Institution
Building In The Sharing Of Criminal Record Information (2008) 8 Chi.-Kent J. Int'l & Comp. L. 111.
152
See Above 1.3.2.
153
Hilton v. Guyot, (1895) 159 U.S. 113, 164; Joel R. Paul, Comity in International Law (1991) 32 Harv. Int'l
L.J. 1 at 8-9 (noting that Hilton is the most commonly cited statement of comity).
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PRAYERS
PRAYERS
In light of the questions presented, arguments advanced and authorities cited the agent for the
Respondent State most humbly and respectfully prays before this Honble Court, that it may
be pleased to adjudge and declare:
I.
The Respondent States courts have jurisdiction and the Respondent States law is the
applicable law to determine Roberts custody issue
II.
The Respondent States courts have jurisdiction and the Respondent States law is the
applicable law to determine Emilys custody issue
III.
The Respondent State is not under any international obligation to extradite Jane and
Janet
The Respondent State additionally prays that the Court may grant any provisional relief that it
may deem fit. The Court may also make any such order as it may deem fit in terms of equity,
justice and due conscience.
And for this act of kindness the Respondent State shall as duty bound ever humbly pray.
Respectfully submitted,
......
(Agents for the Respondent State)
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