The exciting final of the annual North-West University (NWU) mock trials, hosted by the Faculty of Law with the support of Juta, will take place on 20 August at the Sanlam Auditorium on the campus in Potchefstroom.

It will be preceded by the equally thrilling semi-finals on 19 August. The presiding officers for the finals and semi-finals are respectively Judge Leonie Windell and Advocate Mark Adams. Both have previously been involved in judging the popular competition.

As in previous years, this year’s competition will see participants from all three the NWU’s campuses competing for the title of NWU-Juta mock trial winners.

The competition has grown significantly since it first started in 2011 and organisers expect more than 250 students to participate this year. Not only does it give students the opportunity to practically employ their legal expertise, but it also provides entertaining “courtroom drama” complete with complainants, accused, a magistrate and capable teams of prosecutors and lawyers.

The winning teams will share in prizes to the value of R60 000, a big incentive for participants.

Teams of four students each will take on each other in a “criminal case”, arguing for the defence and state respectively. Eight teams – two from each campus and two combined NWU teams – will show off their legal prowess.

“Students voluntarily participate in the competition. It is a clear indication of their eagerness and willingness to learn,” says Adv René Koraan, director for professional development and community engagement and senior lecturer at the Faculty of Law in Potchefstroom.

She says the mock trial competition, her brainchild, is an ideal opportunity to foster a passion for law and to establish a spirit of collegiality. “The fact that second- and third-year students from all three our campuses participate is also an important step in us becoming one faculty.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the court proceedings. For more information, phone Adv Koraan at 018 299 4287 or email rene.koraan@nwu.ac.za.