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Faculty Forum
Teaching Tips: The Model Courtroom – A Teaching Tool

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NJC has made a significant investment in active learning. All of NJC’s classrooms are fully equipment with a variety of audio/visual equipment. Faculty member have access to an electronic group response system when they teach. Faculty teach legal research in the NJC computer lab, but the most expensive investment NJC has made in active learning is the Model Courtroom.

NJC Model Courtroom is equipment with the latest technology including a state of the art evidence presentation system. Demonstrative exhibits, in the past, were display use cardboard signs or models. Within NJC Model Courtroom, faculty can display evidence using a computer, iPhone, iPad, or a visual presenter/document camera. Faculty can have expert witnesses testify within the Model Courtroom from any location in the world connected to the Internet. The Model Courtroom is compatible with CourtCall, WebEx, Go to Meeting, Facetime, Zoom, or any other cell network or Internet based communication platform.

The NJC Model Courtroom is a paragon of ADA accessibility. Access ramps lead into the witness stand, judge’s bench, clerk’s stations, and jury box. The Model Courtroom is equipped with assistant listening devices and real-time court reporters provide closed captioning for the participants with hearing impairments. NJC also has the equipment to interpret wirelessly four languages simultaneously.

Here are just a few examples of how faculty members have use the Model Courtroom to provide NJC’s participants with an active learning experience.

  • Drug court demonstration
  • Role plays involving ethical and fairness scenarios allowing participant to respond to real-life courtroom events that invoke the Model Code of Judicial Conduct
  • The Gavel Gauntlet – judges practice their trial management skills with a team of faculty members
  • Evidentiary Objection demonstration
  • Technology Demonstration

Consider using the Model Courtroom when you teach at NJC. When faculty use active learning exercises like simulation, demonstration, role-play, case studies re-enactment, mindful practice and coached practice, the learner is push to a higher level of learning.

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