Development of Three Dimensional Virtual Court for Legal Education

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a three-dimensional virtual court for legal education. The study was carried out as qualitative research, and design-based research method was used in the study. The participants were composed of 4 lawyers, 6 legal practitioners and 5 researchers. Study data were collected by using document analysis, focus group discussions and unstructured interviews. Two focus group discussions were held throughout the study implementation In the first discussion, the participants were informed about potential beneficiaries and purposes of using of virtual courts. The other discussion became the venue for negotiations on how to transfer the structure and functioning of real courts to the virtual environment. In addition, document analysis was conducted on functioning and physical properties of the real courts in Turkey. In the light of the findings from the focus group discussions in combination with document analysis, the qualities were determined which are expected to be featured in a virtual court to be developed for legal education. In the following stage, a three-dimensional virtual courthouse was modelled where hearings can be held. Then it was revised in accordance with opinions of both experienced and legal practitioners by using unstructured interview forms. The court was finally finished as a result of a two-step evaluation process.