Students from BSU Conducted a Simulated Criminal Trial

On 22 May, a simulated criminal trial was held, prepared and carried out by fifth‑year Law students. The event is held annually within the framework of the course Criminal Procedure Law, taught by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mila Ivanova. This year, it was part of the initiatives of the Center for Legal Studies dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Burgas Free University.

The event was opened by the Rector of BSU, Prof. Dr. Milen Baltov, and greetings to the students were also delivered by the Dean of the Center for Legal Studies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hristo Pavlov. Official guests included the President of the Burgas District Court, Evgeni Uzunov, Judge Filip Radinov, and the Deputy Dean of the Center for Legal Studies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krasimir Koev. Students from the first, third, and fourth year of the Law program also attended the event, having the opportunity to observe closely the work of the court and the practical application of criminal procedure rules.

More than 15 students took part in the simulated trial. Based on a pre‑assigned case, they had to develop the prosecution, defense, expert reports, and witness testimonies at their own discretion. The case included elements of a serious intentional crime, collection and analysis of evidence, witness questioning, and discussion of expert conclusions. The students independently prepared their procedural positions, demonstrating skills in legal analysis, argumentation, and courtroom behavior. The trial lasted more than three hours and was conducted with exceptional interest and active participation.

After its conclusion, Judge Uzunov congratulated the students on their performance, gave them valuable professional guidance, and invited them to attend a real courtroom session as his future colleagues.