Exploring International Justice: Ariella's Journey with the MICC
Congratulations to Ariella ‘24, who was one of only eight students from across the state to be selected to represent New Mexico at the Model International Criminal Court (MICC) through the Human Rights Project of New Mexico.
The MICC journey, a year in the making, includes a fully sponsored 10-day trip to Europe. Starting in Amsterdam, the group spent a few days exploring the city and its museums before embarking on a day of train rides to Berlin. The adventure continued as they ventured to Krzyzowa, Poland, a quaint village with approximately 80 inhabitants.
The MICC experience brought together 55 students from Germany, Poland, and the United States. Each participant delved into different war crime cases, emulating a real international court setting. Ariella, serving as the prosecution for war criminal Friedrich Flick from the Nuremberg trials, faced charges related to the enslavement of prisoners of war and concentration camp inmates.
The preparation was intense, involving in-depth research, analysis of relevant legal statutes, and the development of compelling arguments. The courtroom simulations featured three members of the prosecution and defense teams, three judges, as well as individuals portraying the press and media. International trainers, including a law student from Athens with previous MICC participation, enriched the experience with their expertise.
Reflecting on the journey, Ariella shared, "I got to meet really cool people and learn about their cultures. As Americans, we often find ourselves in a bubble, and this experience allowed me to break free from it. Meeting students from other countries who spoke at least five different languages was eye-opening. It was a profound experience to immerse myself in diverse perspectives."
Ariella's MICC adventure exemplifies the power of experiential learning and the transformative impact it can have on students. As we celebrate these achievements, we look forward to more opportunities that broaden our horizons and foster a deeper understanding of global issues.