Tra Vinh University elevates Legal education through innovative mock trial program

By Lan Anh

TVU – The College of Economics and Law (CEL) at Tra Vinh University (TVU) hosts on the evening of November 6 its 11th mock trial in 2024 to promote legal knowledge to students.

The event features Dr. Thach Thi Dan, Vice Rector of TVU; Dr. Nguyen Tan Dat, Vice Dean of CEL; Dr. Nguyen Minh Trung, Head of the Department of Legality Affairs, and leaders from various CEL schools and centers.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Thach Thi Dan notes that the mock trial has become one of the annual activities at CEL, highlighting its role in educating students on legal principles. She emphasizes that this is a valuable and integral activity for law majors at TVU, allowing them to develop a solid legal foundation and practical skills in a realistic courtroom environment.

The shift from traditional lecture-based education to the immersive mock trial experience has proven effective in enhancing students’ understanding and respect for the law. Through this approach, students more readily absorb legal knowledge, which fosters a sense of responsibility and compliance, ultimately supporting social safety and order.

Promoting legal education is a priority in character and moral education at TVU. Abiding by the Constitution and laws is a fundamental indicator of a civilized lifestyle, making it essential to cultivate a law-abiding mindset among TVU students.

The 90-minute mock trial is structured like a real court proceeding, focusing on a criminal case of “intentional injury.” The roles of the presiding judge, people’s assessors, prosecutor, court clerk, attorneys, defendant, and witnesses are all played by law students.

Key segments of the trial include the opening procedure, examinations, arguments, jury deliberation, and verdict announcement. The whole trial takes place with the prosecutor’s profound and rigorous arguments, the lawyer’s logical defense, and the transparency and impartiality of the jury.

Staging the mock trial as a real trial provides TVU law students with a dynamic and authentic learning experience, reinforcing the importance of living and working within the Constitution’s and laws’ framework. This event embeds law into daily life, enables students to grasp better legal regulations relevant to the theme of the trial, and enhances their legal awareness and compliance.

At the end of the mock trial, awards are given to the best performers, with first, second, and third prizes and consolation prizes. Besides, the audience members who accurately predicted the trial outcome also received gifts from the mock trial organizers.

The Law program at TVU, which has achieved FIBAA accreditation, offers a research-oriented curriculum that equips students with a strong foundation in law, social sciences, politics, IT, and foreign languages. The program emphasizes practical legal applications and essential workplace skills, aligning with industry needs and stakeholder expectations.