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

Ahmad Azam Mohd Shariff,Tengku Noor Azira Tengku Zainudin,Asma Hakimah Ab Halim,Nazura Abdul Manap,Fatimah Yusro Hashim,Safinaz Mohd Hussein,Mazliza Mohamad,Ramalinggam Rajamanickam

doi:10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n3p144

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

Highlights

Syariah Law of Evidence was introduced as a law subject at Faculty of Law, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 1997
This research aims at delving into the history of such inception whereby the evolvement of syariah subjects had led to the introduction of the subject of Syariah Law of Evidence and Procedures
Mohd Shariff in October 2013 entitled Teaching and Learning of Syariah Evidence Course: A UKM’s Law School Experience, a paper presented at International Conference on Teaching and Learning, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Nilai, Negeri Sembilan

Summary

Introduction

Syariah Law of Evidence was introduced as a law subject at Faculty of Law, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 1997. In. view of the demand by the current legal industry in the said field which has resulted in the faculty reviewing course contents of all syariah subjects, this research examines the course content of Syariah Evidence Law as per the current industry needs. The significance of this research is clear It points at the process of evolvement of the course of Syariah Law of Evidence, being the catalyst for production of law graduates who are aptly and adequately equipped by theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The academic and teaching staff of the course of Syariah Evidence Law at the faculty displays indomitable efforts in support of this effort This has no doubt leads to incorporation and inception of the mock trial simulation method into the course to hone the students’ practical skills

The Research

Critical Development in the Syariah and Civil Practice in Malaysia

Revamping the Course of Syariah Law of Evidence

Recommendations

Findings

Conclusion