TCMUN
ICJ
International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. The ICJ was established through the UN Charter in 1945, designed as an improved successor to the Permanent Court of Justice (PCIJ) which fulfilled a similar role within the League of Nations. The Court’s primary task is to settle international disputes between states; it is not a criminal court, as that would be the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICJ functions similarly to a mock trial or moot court — if that sounds interesting, then this is the committee for you!
Chairs
Tara Preston
Hey everyone! I have been doing MUN since my sophomore year, and I have attended 3 conferences as a delegate: TCMUN 2024, TCMUN 2025, and MITMUNC 2026. I am new to ICJ, but I am so, so excited to explore the structure and topics this year! I am also looking forward to working with you all in these different delegate roles. I really like to stay busy, so I do a lot of extracurriculars like MUN (of course), Speech and Debate, SPARK, and I just started a Mock Trial team this year! When I'm not doing extracurriculars, I also really enjoy reading, writing, painting, and doing the crossword. I'm also very passionate about language, literature, and government. A fun fact about me is that I am named after the White Tara, the goddess of wisdom!I am so incredibly excited to meet all of you and work with you for this conference!
Isa Ramella
Hi, im Isa Ramella. I'm a senior this year and have been doing Model UN since sophomore year in AP World. I've attended 4 confernces: TCMUN24, MUN25, TCMUN25, and MITMUN26.In my free time im a captain on the swim team, secretary for NAHS, a member of NHS, and one of the four student school board members. Im also interested in fashion design and in my free time I love to draw, design and sew! A fun fact about me is that I studied abroad for russian in Krgystan this summer! Im honored to be your co-chair this year and can't wait for our conference!
Topic 1:
Islamic Republic of Iran vs. USA (2018)
President Trump withdraws from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran and places sanctions on the country, starting a campaign to reapply strict economic rules and cut oil exports. Iran files a lawsuit claiming the US violated the 1955 Treaty of Amity that guaranteed fair treatment, security, and property rights to citizens of both nations. Both nations are faced with juggling humanitarian rights, economic integrity, and national sovereignty. This case challenges delegates to examine how both states can balance their competing economic and political interests, while also maintaining international order and law.
Topic 2:
The Philippines vs. China (South China Sea Arbitration)
Recently, China has expanded military control over the South China Sea, aggravating neighbors like the Philippines who have benefitted from this previously shared resource. This rule is questioned by the Philippines in the name of a current United Nations treaty, arguing that it gives the Philippines more rights to the sea. The countries both argue about these terms, with China believing that the terms do not supersede their precedent. Delegates will debate international and state policy, defining the legal status of disputed maritime features in order to settle this conflict.