Be a Judge in the Classroom | Campus Mock Trial Seed Lecturer Training Workshop (Tainan Session)

In the classroom, we often hope to give students more than textbook knowledge; we want to help them develop lifelong skills such as listening, thinking, and judgment. Mock trials are precisely this kind of learning method. Through role-playing and debate, students learn how the judicial system works, practice respecting differing opinions through discussion, and experience how to seek answers amid diverse viewpoints. Law thus ceases to be merely words on a page and becomes a practical exercise connected to everyday life.

Since 2015, JRF has worked with numerous teachers and attorneys to bring mock trials into schools. In the classroom, students form groups to play prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, and citizen judges; witnesses undergo direct and cross-examination, while attorney instructors help guide the proceedings. Finally, the student citizen judges deliberate, discussing the case and attempting to persuade one another. Through this process, students not only engage with fundamental legal principles such as the "presumption of innocence," but also practice remaining calm and rational when discussing public issues—all of which are essential preparation for their future roles as citizens.

In 2025, we hope to share this resource with even more schools. During the workshop, we will introduce JRF's experience in promoting legal education, invite collaborating teachers and attorneys to share stories from the classroom, and guide participants through a hands-on mock trial experience. This year's new script specifically focuses on gender issues, enabling students to encounter diverse social realities in the classroom and reflect on how to coexist with others.

For this workshop, we particularly hope to invite

✦ Teachers: Mock trials are a concrete and practical teaching tool that can help you guide student discussion and critical thinking. They can also be integrated into civics or social studies curricula, making classroom learning more engaging and meaningful.

✦ Attorneys: If you enjoy interacting with students and are willing to share your career experiences and courtroom practice, mock trials can serve as a meaningful bridge, bringing professional legal knowledge into the classroom and opening up new possibilities with the younger generation.

Every moment of focused attention in the classroom and every lively discussion marks an important step in students' growth. We sincerely invite you to join us in bringing the courtroom into the classroom, practicing critical thinking with students, and learning together how to become better citizens.

Register Now

Time

Saturday, December 27, 2025, 09:00–11:30

Location

Tainan Bar Association (No. 8-1, Lane 49, Yonghua 11th St., Anping Dist., Tainan City)

Speakers

• Chen Yuqing, Attorney / Pro Bono Attorney, Legal Education Group, Judicial Reform Foundation
  
• Qiu Hanshi, Teacher / Civics and Society Teacher, National Tainan Chia-Chi Senior High School
  

Agenda

Time	Content
09:00–09:10	Introduction to JRF's Legal Education Program & Event Briefing
09:10–10:10	Mock Trial Implementation Guide
10:10–10:20	Break
10:20–10:50	Experience Sharing by Civics Teachers and Seed Attorneys
10:50–11:20	On-site Feedback and Q&A
11:20–11:30	Networking Sessio

Organizer

Judicial Reform Foundation, Taichung Office

Co-Organizer

Tainan Bar Association