It is again time for students to don their judicial robes for the popular annual NWU-Juta Mock Trials competition.

This year’s competition promises to be especially exciting, with the semi-finals and final taking place on 6 and 7 August respectively in the North West High Court in Mahikeng. The opening function will be hosted on 4 August.

“This will also be the first year that all four our semi-finals will take place simultaneously, bringing all the action to the courtrooms at the same time,” says Adv René Koraan, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Law.

The cross-campus elimination rounds have already started, with student registration for the competition having been completed on 14 July. More than 200 students across campuses have registered.

“The competition remains a highlight on the NWU’s event calendar. It is an excellent opportunity for second- and third-year law students to gain much-needed experience,” says René.

Last year, a team of second-year students from the Faculty of Law on the Vanderbijlpark Campus emerged victorious in the competition.

Competition promotes practical experience

The NWU-Juta Mock Trials competition is the product of René’s vision. She started the competition in 2011, initially for the Potchefstroom Campus, but since 2014 it has grown into an inter-campus competition. She saw it as an opportunity for second- and third-year law students to gain much-needed experience.

“Our goal is to equip students with the essential skills, knowledge and ethics that will guide their professional careers. It is heart-warming to see how students embrace the competition. They are eager to learn and enthusiastically put in the extra work, not just to win but to ultimately be well-rounded students.”

René says competitions such as the NWU-Juta Mock Trials have a major impact on the development of young aspiring lawyers. It gives them a glimpse of what awaits in the professional environment.

For more information about this year’s NWU-Juta Mock Trials, phone René at 018 299 4287.