Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Work Hours
Monday to Friday: 7AM - 7PM
Weekend: 10AM - 5PM
Welcome to the Virtual Courtroom project
Find out more about the Open Justice Centre’s innovative new project, seeking to transform legal education, widen access to justice and support the legal profession through the use of virtual reality technology.
Our Vision
Academics at the Open University have designed and built a highly realistic immersive virtual court room (VCR) where users can explore and learn about the court system. In addition, the courtroom allows users to come together in the VCR to engage in mock hearings to support the practice and development of advocacy skills. The VCR can support people representing themselves, witnesses, and jurors and those studying and practising law.
This short video on the left explains our vision for the virtual courtroom as well as providing a demo of the current version.
Francine Ryan also appeared as a guest on the Reimagine law podcast in February 2024 talking about the virtual courtroom. Listen at the link below.
Who is the courtroom for?
Rural Locations
People in rural locations who don't necessarily have access to public transport.
Disabilities
People who are vulnerable or have disabilities.
Low Income
People from low income backgrounds.
Students
Geographically dispersed students in schools or universities who don't have access to a local courtroom or collaborate online.
Litigants in Person
People who are representing themselves in court. Witnesses or people who are serving on a jury.
Professional Training
People working and training in the legal sector such as Lawyers, Police Officers, Advice Organisation volunteers. The courtroom gives them a chance to practice advocacy skills, present evidence and instruct clients.
