Whether playing the role of a judge, a prosecutor or a defense counsel, law students in Pristina yesterday had the chance to experience firsthand the process of delivering justice in a courtroom.

The “mock trial” or the pretend trial session was organized by the EULEX Press and Public Information Office. The event was supported by the EULEX judges and prosecutors working for the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, the French Embassy and the Law Faculty of the Pristina University.

According to the participating students, who came from various communities in Kosovo, this was the closest thing to a real trial they had ever experienced.

“The mock trial helped me understand in practice how a court session is held. I wish more “trials” of this kind were held at my University,” said Urim Vokshi, a student who played the role of the presiding judge during the “mock trial.”

This enriching opportunity enabled students to not only gain practical court experience, but also to be coached by EULEX and local legal experts relying on the best European practice principles.

The future lawyers were also encouraged to pursue their hopes and dreams in the legal field by Jaroslava Novotna, Chief EULEX prosecutor. She opened her inspiring speech with the words: “I was once just like you…”

The French Ambassador, Jean-François Fitou addressed the student as well. “You have a great responsibility on your shoulders when it comes to ensuring a strong and improved justice system in Kosovo,” said Fitou.

The teams were coached by:

Malcolm Simmons, Dariusz Sielicki – EULEX Judges
Andrew Carney – EULEX Prosecutor
Oladele Osinuga, Roma Kessaram – EULEX Legal Officers
Dastid Pallaska LLM and University of Pristina staff