Mock Trial Transforms Theory into Practice for Berkeley College Legal and Justice Studies Students
Monday, December 1, 2025
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973-278-5400 ext. 1796
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MOCK TRIAL TRANSFORMS THEORY INTO PRACTICE
FOR BERKELEY COLLEGE LEGAL AND JUSTICE STUDIES STUDENTS
Photo Caption: Berkeley College students in the Legal Studies and Justice Studies programs and members of the Justice League Club participated in a mock trial event at the law offices of Scura, Wigfield, Heyer, Stevens & Cammarota, LLP, in Wayne, NJ, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The students acted as jury members in two civil litigation cases that are currently being tried in New Jersey, offering them a firsthand opportunity to experience the inner workings of a courtroom.
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Berkeley College students in the Legal Studies and Justice Studies programs and members of the Justice League Club participated in a mock trial event at the law offices of Scura, Wigfield, Heyer, Stevens & Cammarota, LLP, in Wayne, NJ, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Students acted as jury members in two civil litigation cases that are currently being tried in New Jersey, offering them a firsthand opportunity to experience the inner workings of a courtroom.
“Learning about two ongoing cases made the mock trial experience feel real and impactful,” said Christopher Neira of Clifton, NJ, a Berkeley College student pursuing a degree in Justice Studies – Criminal Justice. “It reinforced my decision to pursue a career as a lawyer, because experiential learning like this allows me to apply what I learn in class to real situations and builds confidence in my career path.”
The Berkeley College Legal Studies degree programs are designed to prepare students who are interested in careers in legal support services with government, nonprofit organizations, regulatory/compliance offices, or other law-related careers, as well as those students considering law school and other advanced studies in law. The Berkeley College Justice Studies – Criminal Justice degree programs offer students the opportunity to gain a practical mastery of the foundations of criminal justice. This includes examining the causes of crime, the role of police, criminal law, and forensic science. Concentrations in Justice Studies include Crime Scene Investigation Forensics, Cyber Security, Homeland Security, Investigations and Security, Police Studies, Pre-Law, Social Justice, and Social Welfare.
Photo Caption: Berkeley College faculty and students in the Legal Studies and Justice Studies programs and members of the Justice League Club pose with lawyers of Scura, Wigfield, Heyer, Stevens & Cammarota, LLP, in Wayne, NJ, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The students acted as jury members in two civil litigation cases that are currently being tried in New Jersey, offering them a firsthand opportunity to experience the inner workings of a courtroom.
The mock trial cases asked students to determine liability and award damages, if appropriate, to plaintiffs in a lawsuit involving an active shooter and another lawsuit involving a bus accident.
“The mock trial was a real-world reflection of the justice system at work and provided an opportunity for students to witness how a case and the rule of law come together,” said Gary Krulish, Chair, Justice Studies, Berkeley College School of Professional Studies. “Engaging in experiential learning events helps strengthen students’ decision-making skills while also deepening their understanding as Justice and Legal Studies majors.”
“From closing arguments to heated and thoughtful deliberations, the students dove headfirst into the jury experience,” said John Scura, Partner, Scura, Wigfield, Heyer, Stevens & Cammarota, LLP. “What impressed us most was the level of engagement; they debated the evidence, challenged each other’s assumptions, and ultimately reached well-reasoned verdicts. We are grateful to Berkeley College for entrusting us with this educational opportunity and proud to support the next generation of legal and business professionals.”
“Berkeley College students were able to experience their academic theory as a courtroom reality,” said Ihor Andruch, Professor, Justice Studies, Berkeley College School of Professional Studies, and Assistant Director, Career Services. “Students showed passion and really learned to understand to leave no stone unturned as it relates to real-world court cases.”
Photo Caption: A group of Berkeley College students deliberates facts of a court case to determine liability in a mock trial event at the law offices of Scura, Wigfield, Heyer, Stevens & Cammarota, LLP, in Wayne, NJ, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The students acted as jury members in two civil litigation cases that are currently being tried in New Jersey, offering them a firsthand opportunity to experience the inner workings of a courtroom.
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,000 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans for 12 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2026 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.
The mission of Berkeley College is to empower each student to achieve lifelong success.
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