Case Laboratory for Judges: how trial simulations help in the adjudication of cases involving international crimes

Practice over theory, simulating real court proceedings and working through complex procedural decisions – this was the approach underpinning the seminar ‘Practical Aspects of Direct and Cross-Examination of Witnesses in Court Proceedings Concerning International Crimes. Defence in trials concerning international crimes: military necessity and orders from superior authorities’, which took place at the end of July 2026 at the Odesa regional branch of the National School of Judges of Ukraine.

The training event was organised in collaboration with the European Union Advisory Mission in Ukraine (EUAM) for judges specialising in criminal law at local courts of general jurisdiction and courts of appeal.

The seminar was led by EUAM experts Oleksandr Ishchenko and Dariusz Sielicki, who have extensive experience in the field of international criminal law and the investigation of international crimes.

The training programme was structured using the Case Laboratory methodology – an interactive format that closely mirrors real-life court proceedings. Working with mock cases, participants simulated court hearings, practised direct and cross-examination techniques, analysed standards for the assessment of evidence, and examined the specific features of applying defences in cases involving international crimes.

Particular attention was paid to the practical application of the rules of international criminal law and the development of procedural approaches necessary to ensure a fair trial in such categories of cases.

The interactive format of the Case Laboratory enabled participants not only to deepen their theoretical knowledge but also to hone the practical skills required for the effective administration of justice in cases involving international crimes, which are becoming increasingly significant for the Ukrainian judicial system in the context of armed aggression.