Mock Trial Simulation in Teaching Syariah Law of Evidence at Faculty of Law, UKM: A Blend of Traditional and New Methods

Abstract

The Syariah Law of Evidence is one of the syariah courses in the combined civil and syariah LLB programme at the Faculty of Law, UKM. A revamp of the curriculum has seen practical mock trial been embedded in the course. The mock trial trains students on correct methods and techniques to submit evidence in civil and syariah criminal trials. This is in line with the aim of the faculty to have a practical balance between theories and practices in its legal curriculum. Mock trial simulation in teaching law of evidence is both an in- vitro and vitro practical experience extremely important to the students. It simulates practical skills of evidence submission in trials. Mock trial teaches students of crucial roles of proper evidence in syariah courts trials. This paper critically examines challenges faced in the teaching and learning of this course. All arguments and findings in this paper rests on a qualitative design, using methodologies of critical and content analysis, field interviews and observation for data verifications. It simultaneously explores possible ways of overcoming these obstacles in ensuring relevancy of the syariah course in ensuring marketability of the graduates.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n3p144