Tulsa Tech Students Lead Mock Murder Trial

Local criminal justice students gain courtroom experience while participating in a mock murder trial presided over by a judge.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Criminal Justice

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a simplified mahogany judge's dais, representing the formal atmosphere of legal education. — Tulsa Tech students recently completed an immersive mock trial, practicing legal arguments in a professional courtroom to prepare for criminal justice careers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Students at Tulsa Tech recently gained hands-on experience in a local courtroom during a mock murder trial. The exercise involved students presenting legal arguments before a presiding District Court Judge.

Why it matters

Mock trials provide students with an immersive look into the judicial system. By simulating courtroom procedures, these exercises bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world legal practice.

A mock trial was conducted within a district courtroom to simulate legal proceedings. The session was overseen by District Court Judge Bill LaFortune while a student jury deliberated the case.

The players

Bill LaFortune

Bill LaFortune is a District Court Judge who oversaw the mock proceedings for the criminal justice students.

Tulsa Tech

Tulsa Tech is a career and technical education institution that provides vocational training, including specialized coursework in criminal justice.

The details

Students took on active roles in the courtroom to test their understanding of criminal justice procedures. A student jury provided the final deliberation after hearing arguments presented during the session.

The mock murder trial was conducted by Tulsa Tech students on October 23, 2026.

Legal Context

This educational exercise follows the established procedural protocols of the Oklahoma Statutes regarding courtroom decorum. Such simulations are a common method for training the next generation of legal professionals in state-recognized judicial environments.

This mock trial was held in a professional district courtroom setting rather than a school classroom. The event highlights the integration of local vocational training programs with actual municipal legal facilities.

The takeaway

Hands-on simulations offer students a critical look at the complexities of the justice system. Future legal professionals benefit significantly from applying their academic knowledge to the formal structure of a real courtroom.