If young people are to become actively involved in the rule of law and European Union standards in this area they will need to be better informed about judicial institutions, the fight against corruption and equal access to justice as well as about legal issues that will enable them a better understanding of their rights and how to exercise and protect them. The Youth Rule of Law Lab (YRoLL) is a project funded by the European Union that is implemented by the associations ‘Ja bih u EU’ and ‘ORC Tuzla’. The project provides an opportunity for youngsters to participate in simulations of trials and to work on the process of introducing the concept of the rule of law into judicial institutions and involves them in the judicial reform process.

Participants at the first semifinal in Banja Luka

Four teams participated in the first trial simulation that took place at the University of Business Engineering and Management in Banja Luka (PIM University). The simulated trial allowed ten young people, along with legal experts and judges, to demonstrate their knowledge. Such projects are of key importance because they provide young people with an opportunity to become acquainted with the basic concepts and the legal system. The trial simulations themselves are intended to show the participants what a civil or criminal proceeding looks like.

The first semifinal in Banja Luka

Delila Islamovic, a young lawyer and the creator of the hypothetical cases, said, “Such simulations are of particular importance for young lawyers, who rarely have the opportunity to attend a trial, but are also important for young people to develop new experiences, knowledge and skills.” Ademir Čaušević, a member of Team 2, pointed out that this was the first time that he had seen the way a lawsuit is conducted and that he would recommend it to everyone, “especially young entrepreneurs, to get to know how and in what way they should claim their rights.”

Participants in the project Youth Rule of Law - LAB

Milica Kos, a participant, said, “It is a pleasure to cooperate with colleagues and work on a project that emphasises the raising of awareness of young people and all citizens about the rule of law and improving the efficiency of justice in Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to EU integration.”