Simulation of contentious-administrative hearings: reinforcing theoretical knowledge and developing other skills and competencies

Abstract

This paper presents the implementation and results of a hearing simulation activity that has been carried out for several academic years at the University, replacing the previous activity of attending hearings at the Administrative Courts. The simulation of hearings allows us to achieve very different objectives. On the one hand, it reinforces the learning of two different subjects: the dynamics of the contentious-administrative trial (procedural aspect) and the specific problem on which the litigation is based (in our case, the control of measures restricting rights as a consequence of pandemic situations by applying the principle of proportionality). On the other hand, it develops other skills of the students: in this case, the capacity for analysis and synthesis (through the judgments provided to them so that they can extract arguments for and against the measures being judged), oratory, the assumption of the specific role that may correspond to them in the case (plaintiff or administration), etc.