From Lecture Hall to Real Courtroom: LHU Law Students Attend Appellate Trial at Dong Nai People’s Court

In order to enhance practical training and provide students with exposure to real-world professional environments, on March 31, 2026, students of class 25LA111 – Law major, under the Faculty of Administration – International Economics, Lac Hong University, participated in a field study program at the People’s Court of Dong Nai Province, under the guidance of MBA. Huỳnh Thị Như Hiếu. This activity is part of the collaboration plan between the Faculty and the Court, aiming to help students gain a deeper understanding of the organizational structure, operations, and judicial practices at the provincial level.

Early in the morning, students gathered at the University with enthusiasm and a serious learning attitude. This field trip was not merely an experiential activity but also an opportunity for students to begin approaching their future professional environment, thereby narrowing the gap between theory and practice—an essential objective in modern legal education.

At the People’s Court of Dong Nai Province, students had the opportunity to directly observe and learn about the Court’s organizational structure and operational processes. In addition, they attended an appellate trial concerning a land use rights dispute—one of the most common and practically significant types of cases in civil law.

Through direct observation of the trial proceedings, students were able to gain insights into key aspects such as:

• Appellate trial procedures and processes
• Roles and functions of the Trial Panel
• Presentation and argumentation methods of involved parties
• Approaches to evaluating evidence and legal reasoning

The formal and disciplined atmosphere of the courtroom allowed students to clearly perceive the rigor and objectivity of judicial proceedings, thereby forming a more realistic perspective on their future profession.

Sharing her thoughts after the session, student Lê Bảo Nhi stated:
"This field study helped me better understand how a case is handled in court, especially how the parties present and defend their arguments. It was a very valuable experience that helps me better orient my studies and future career."

At the end of the visit, MBA. Huỳnh Thị Như Hiếu conducted a discussion session to help students review and systematize the knowledge they had observed. Students were also guided on how to complete their field report, focusing on analyzing the Court’s organizational structure and operations, as well as providing their own evaluations and recommendations from a legal learner’s perspective.

CONCLUSION

The field study program at the People’s Court of Dong Nai Province is a meaningful and practical activity that contributes to improving the quality of application-oriented education at the Faculty of Administration – International Economics. It not only helps students reinforce their professional knowledge but also creates opportunities for them to develop observation, analytical, and legal reasoning skills—essential competencies for future legal professionals.