The University of West Florida recently hosted the First District Court of Appeals for oral arguments in its Mock Trial Courtroom. The event provided UWF students with an exceptional opportunity to witness the judicial process in action.
The UWF Mock Trial Courtroom, completed in July 2023, was designed to replicate the experience of an actual courtroom. It features an elevated bench for the judge, a witness chair to the judge’s right, and a court reporter station to the judge’s left for accurate record-keeping and technology control. The courtroom is equipped with advanced technology, including multiple viewing screens and a giant screen for the jury, a document reader for easy-to-view exhibits, and microphones at every station.
Since its opening, the courtroom has hosted several notable events, including the second and third annual Argo High School Mock Trial Tournaments in January 2024 and 2025.
The collaboration with the First District Court of Appeals marks a significant milestone for UWF’s Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies Department. This visit allowed students to observe real oral arguments on cases currently before the Court. The event provided invaluable learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in law and criminal justice.
“We were thrilled to have the First District Court of Appeals visit UWF and hold oral arguments in our Mock Trial Courtroom,” said Charlie Penrod, professor of legal studies in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities at UWF. “The opportunity to watch actual appellate oral arguments on campus was an incredible opportunity for our undergraduate pre-law students. Later, the Judges graciously spoke to students directly as guest speakers in our Legal Research and Writing class – an experience that undergraduate pre-law students rarely get. The judges talked to students about legal writing and advocacy. We would like to thank the Court for traveling to UWF to give their time to our students.”
Students were able to watch two separate oral arguments from real cases. Local attorneys Charles Beall and Therese McKenzie argued a family law case, while Eric Krebs and Julia Maddalena handled a property law case. First District Court of Appeals Judges Clayton Roberts, Lori Rowe, and Susan Kelsey were on the bench listening to the arguments and asking pointed questions to help clarify the issues.
“The unique opportunity of being able to observe oral arguments in UWF’s own courtroom in front of sitting judges from the First District Court of Appeals not only allowed me, fellow students and local attorneys the chance to see the law in action, but it also cemented my love for the law and the court system,” said Emma Goldberg, who is in her senior year at UWF. “The legal studies professors at UWF are constantly seeking out opportunities for their students. Through this experience I was able to network and have one-on-one conversations with local members of the law community as well as the judges. Personally, observing the oral arguments gave light to aspects of the legal system that are gravely important to the capstone course in the legal studies department. I was able to see firsthand the importance of preparation and professionalism in the legal field. I am grateful for the knowledge and lasting impacts that this experience provided me.”
The Court of Appeals’ visit reflects the department’s commitment to providing students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences in the field of law. In 2022, Florida Supreme Court Justice John D. Couriel addressed students in UWF’s legal studies program on campus.
For more information about UWF’s legal studies program, visit uwf.edu/legalstudies.
