Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University has set up six mock courtrooms at the Shariah College to train 5,000 students.

The courts include a prosecutor, defendant and scenarios that outline Saudi judicial procedures. Actual judges and lawyers will take part in the training programs.

Saleh Al-Washil, dean of the Shariah College, said the six courtrooms have been equipped and are ready for use at the beginning of the next scholastic year. If the experiment is successful, similar courtrooms would be set up in women’s sections.

“We brought in judges and lawyers to train and teach the students through these miniature courts. Students will prepare lawsuits that have defense representatives, judges and prosecutors. The judge will ask for evidence and proof from litigants,” he said.

He said these courts would prepare employees for 13 official positions, including becoming judges, stenographers, legal and legislative consultants, and to work for the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution.

Al-Washil said theoretical study is not enough to prepare students. Mock courtrooms will train the students and solve any problems that might occur during their future work.