Law students get replica court room to hone skills

A university is building a £350,000 replica crown court to allow law and criminology students gain courtroom experience before entering the profession.

The court at Bournemouth University will be used for mock trials, debating competitions and training for the Solicitor Qualifying Examination.

It follows feedback from students who wanted to practice their legal skills in a realistic setting.

The facility, due to open in January 2027, will include a judge's bench, witness and jury boxes and legal counsel desks.

Law student Mel Therese, who is on a placement at Steele Raymond solicitors, said she "can't wait" to use the facility as she works towards her Solicitors Qualifying Examination.

"I'm so pleased that the university has responded to student feedback to make this moot court a reality," she said.

"Seeing something I advocated for as a faculty student representative come to life is incredibly rewarding."

Students from other disciplines, including psychology, will also use the facility to explore how jurors make decisions, the factors that influence courtroom behaviour and the experiences of witnesses giving evidence.

Dr Joel Carlton, dean of the Faculty of Business and Law, said: " It will help build confidence, develop practical skills and ensure that students are ready to make the most of future opportunities.

"We already have an excellent track record of working in partnership with employers to develop the talent needed for a range of legal careers, and this new facility will further strengthen our approach."