Young Lawyers at the Bench of Justice: Zaim Judicial Simulation Has Begun

The Zaim Judicial Simulation, organized by the Law Club of Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, commenced with the participation of IZU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar, Dean of the Faculty of Law Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ateş, President of the Lawyers Association Melih Gülseren, academics, and students.

ATEŞ: “OUR STUDENTS’ SUCCESS REFLECTS THE QUALITY OF OUR EDUCATION”
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ateş stated that the simulation program, organized to enhance analytical and evaluative skills in legal education, provides students with the opportunity to put the theoretical knowledge they learn in class into practice. Noting that students will be able to approach the issues they address from different perspectives by acting in the roles of judges, prosecutors, and lawyers, Ateş emphasized that such applications aim to prevent practical deficiencies after graduation. Stating that IZU Faculty of Law students are above a certain standard, Ateş continued: “We have nearly 50 judges and prosecutors, and many graduates who successfully practice as lawyers. The success of our graduates demonstrates the quality of our education.”

GÜLSEREN: “JUSTICE REQUIRES EFFORT”
President of the Lawyers Association Melih Gülseren emphasized that legal education is not limited to theory and legislation, highlighting the importance of practice. “Simulation studies provide the opportunity to transform theory into practice. Beyond gaining professional experience, they also teach how delicate justice is and how much effort it requires. Every decision to be made means preparation for real hearings,” he said.

ACAR: “THE NUMBER OF LAWYERS WORKING IN INTERNATIONAL LAW IS INSUFFICIENT”
IZU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar also drew attention to recent developments in the field of international law. “There are certain challenges in the field of law. One of them is globalization. Globalization threatens all national entities,” he said, adding that Gaza has shown the world that the international order has collapsed. Stating that the number of lawyers working in the field of international law in Türkiye is insufficient, Acar said, “We need to strengthen ourselves in this area.” He also warned future lawyers to be cautious about the changes brought about by artificial intelligence in the legal field.

Following the opening speeches, the Judicial Summit, moderated by Prof. Dr. Canan Küçükali, was held. During the session, which featured Judge Murat Erten, President of the 1st High Criminal Court of the Anatolian Courthouse; Furkan Barutçu, Deputy Chief Public Prosecutor of Istanbul Anatolian Courthouse; and Attorney Yasin Şamlı, President of the Istanbul Bar Association No. 2, law students had the opportunity to hear about the professions they will practice in the future directly from professionals.

ERTEN: “SENTENCE REDUCTIONS NEGATIVELY AFFECT DETERRENCE”
Judge Murat Erten, President of the 1st High Criminal Court of the Anatolian Courthouse, stated that in his first hearing he did not even know where to stand in the courtroom, emphasizing the importance of practical training before entering the profession. “Come to the courthouses and observe how they function,” he said. In response to a question regarding the Ahmet Minguzzi case, which has been closely followed by the public, he added, “I believe there are issues with the execution law. Sentence reductions negatively affect deterrence. I think in some crimes the full sentence should be implemented.”

ŞAMLI: “IF LAW AND LAWYERS HAD FULFILLED THEIR DUTIES, WE WOULD NOT BE TALKING ABOUT THE GENOCIDE IN GAZA”
Yasin Şamlı, President of the Istanbul Bar Association No. 2, stated that although he had received an excellent education, he only truly understood the importance of the legal profession after beginning to practice. Emphasizing that lawyers are entrusted with people’s lives, Şamlı said, “In the world we live in, the importance of legal professions is increasing. Fifteen or twenty years ago, imperialist states were bringing death to places they claimed to bring democracy to. Now they do not even feel the need to make such claims. Genocide is being openly committed in Gaza. In such a world, lawyers should be the ones raising their voices the most, yet they remain silent. If law and lawyers had fulfilled their duties, we would not be talking about the genocide in Gaza today.”

BARUTÇU: “TV SERIES AND SOCIAL MEDIA ENCOURAGE CRIME”
Furkan Barutçu, who began serving as a prosecutor after many years of practicing law, stated that his experience as a lawyer enables him to view case files from a broader perspective. “No matter which stage of the judiciary you are in, every duty must be carried out properly. The prosecution becomes involved when suspicion of a crime arises. The decisions made at the very beginning are crucial to prevent the loss of evidence,” he said, noting that a well-conducted investigation can prevent violations of rights. Emphasizing that messages encouraging crime in TV series and social media platforms should be prevented, Barutçu highlighted the importance of preventing crime before it is committed and stated that sociologists and social psychologists should also be involved in the discussion.

The Zaim Judicial Simulation, attended by approximately 100 students from nearly 10 universities across Istanbul, will continue for three days.