Think law students spend all their time buried in thick textbooks, memorizing one legal provision after another? Think again. The 2026 Mock Trial, hosted by New Law – BVU’s Law Club, is here to challenge that stereotype. Sharp arguments, compelling performances, and hands-on legal experience – BVU students are turning academic knowledge into a dynamic courtroom battle, proving that studying law is as much an art as it is a discipline, and that future legal professionals need more than knowledge: they need the ability to think critically, argue persuasively, and stand their ground.
FROM REAL CASE FILES TO A LIVE COURTROOM EXPERIENCE
On November 6, 2026, at BVU Campus 3, New Law – a student club founded in 2023 – brought the courtroom to life with its 2026 Mock Trial. Based on an actual criminal case involving the illegal possession, purchase, sale, and use of narcotics, with all identifying information anonymized, the event transformed a university auditorium into a formal courtroom.
Students stepped beyond the role of passive learners and took on the responsibilities of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and defendants, bringing the judicial process to life through their own performances.
The event was supported by a distinguished panel of academic and legal advisors:
- Dr. Nguyen Quang Long – Vice Dean, Faculty of Business Administration and Law.
- Mr. Nguyen The Khang, MA – Adjunct Lecturer.
- Ms. Pham Thi Hieu, MA – Judge, People’s Court of Regional Jurisdiction No. 11, Ho Chi Minh City, and Adjunct Lecturer.
Unlike conventional mock trials that rely on prepared sample case files, this year’s event challenged students to work with an actual case file containing incomplete and complex documentation. With no ready-made defense arguments to rely on, even first- and second-year students had to independently examine the evidence, analyze the facts, identify key legal issues, and build their arguments from the ground up.
At BVU, learning through real-world experience is more than a slogan. The students demonstrated this through their effective application of four essential skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Dense legal documents were transformed into clear, compelling courtroom arguments.
The atmosphere shifted from quiet anticipation to intense courtroom tension as the aspiring lawyers and prosecutors strategically used their voices, tone, and body language. One moment, they delivered firm, forceful arguments in support of the prosecution; the next, they adopted a composed and persuasive approach to examining mitigating circumstances.
HIGH PRAISE FROM LEGAL AND ACADEMIC EXPERTS
The students’ impressive performances earned strong recognition from the panel of experienced legal professionals and educators, who praised the confidence, preparation, and professional potential of BVU’s aspiring legal practitioners.
Mr. Do Thanh Trung, MA, Attorney – Director of New Key Law Firm and Adjunct Lecturer at BVU – was particularly impressed by the students’ confidence and composure. Despite handling a serious criminal case involving a defendant with a complicated legal history, including prior convictions and offenses, the student defense team demonstrated determination and developed well-reasoned arguments. They carefully examined even the smallest details to identify potential mitigating circumstances.
Meanwhile, the student prosecution team stood out for its confidence, assertive delivery, and firm legal positions, reflecting the authority and professionalism expected of public prosecutors.
Sharing this assessment, Mr. Nguyen The Khang, MA, a lecturer at the Judicial Academy, commended the New Law members for their dedication and hands-on involvement. Although the students came from different academic backgrounds and had varying levels of experience, their close teamwork and strong critical-thinking skills came together to create a remarkably realistic and engaging courtroom experience.
From the university’s leadership perspective, Dr. Nguyen Quang Long, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Law, expressed pride in the club’s transformation over its three-year journey. He recognized the hard work behind the scenes – from countless practice sessions in crowded, hot rooms to the students’ final performance, marked by confidence, composure, and clear, logical reasoning. Their performance exceeded expectations for students still in the early stages of their academic journey.
BUILDING LEGAL AWARENESS AND TAKING IT BEYOND THE CAMPUS
The mock trial was more than a test of professional skills. It also delivered an important message about drug prevention and legal awareness among young people.
One message from Dr. Nguyen Quang Long resonated throughout the auditorium:
“Never give in to peer pressure and experiment with drugs – not even once.”
A moment of curiosity or a lack of confidence in the face of peer pressure can cost young people seven to nine years of their lives behind bars. Legal knowledge, first and foremost, should serve as a strong shield, empowering students to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.
The event’s success also opened the door to a broader and more ambitious vision. The advisory panel and faculty leadership agreed on an important next step: bringing this practical learning model beyond the university campus.
With financial support pledged by the advisors and plans to collaborate with the Youth Union and the Green Summer volunteer campaign, BVU’s Mock Trial program is expected to reach local high schools in the near future.
This initiative offers two major benefits. It provides high school students with an engaging, accessible way to learn about the law and understand the consequences of unlawful behavior. At the same time, it showcases the practical, career-oriented approach to legal education at BVU, strengthening the university’s visibility and appeal among prospective students.
The program concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding members of New Law, honoring the dedication and contributions of the club’s talented team.
At BVU, learning goes far beyond the pages of a textbook. Through its commitment to combining theory with practice, the university gives students opportunities to challenge themselves, sharpen their professional skills, build confidence, and prepare for meaningful careers in the legal field.
Because tomorrow’s legal professionals are not shaped by knowledge alone – they are shaped by the courage to think critically, the confidence to speak up, and the ability to put what they learn into practice.
