Order in the court: new CHBS learning space is in session
The guiding principle behind the planning and subsequent construction of the new College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences (CHBS) building was to design learning spaces that would simulate professional work environments Radford students will enter following graduation.
One unique space at Radford University is the courtroom located in the new CHBS building.
The courtroom allows for expanded opportunities for coursework and co-curricular activities. Prior to having the courtroom, the academic activities were conducted in a large room in Heth Hall.
“Having mock trial and moot court exercises is a valuable teaching strategy in criminal justice, especially since so many criminal justice professions interface with the court system in some way,” said Criminal Justice Professor Steve Owen. “Being able to conduct such exercises in a realistic courtroom setting adds value to the educational experience, enhances professionalism and better helps students to understand court activities.”
The courtroom in the new College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences building at Radford University.
Beyond the facilitation of mock trials and moot courts, there are additional goals for the courtroom.
“I’d like to see an appellate court hold a hearing here on occasion,” Owen said. “I’d also like to see the development of a mock trial/moot court team which could hold competitions in the space.”
Owen would like to begin outreach to local high schools as a space to support and enhance law and government curricula.
For Radford students, the courtroom is a space that allows the words in their textbooks to transform into an experience that transcends typed text.