UAA students studying criminology, criminal justice and legal studies no longer have to wait until graduation to step into a courtroom. With the recent opening of the John E. Havelock Trial Simulation Courtroom, students now have access to a premier, experiential learning environment to master their craft.

Located in the Professional Studies Building on UAA’s Anchorage campus, the courtroom’s namesake honors the legacy of John E. Havelock, a former Alaska Attorney General and U.S. Attorney, and a lifelong advocate for justice, public service and legal education. The state-of-the-art classroom is designed not only as a hands-on learning space but also as a vital bridge between the classroom and the Alaska legal community. 

Beyond serving UAA students, the courtroom will be a community resource where Alaska’s legal professionals can hold practice trials and conduct continuing education and training. Additionally, the courtroom will provide a realistic training space for Alaska’s middle and high school students to explore and experience careers in criminal justice and law enforcement.

The facility, which opened in fall 2025, is built to U.S. federal court standards and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including the ability to simulcast courtroom proceedings anywhere in Alaska. While students in UAA’s criminal justice programs have been holding mock trials in their classes, having a dedicated space that simulates a real courtroom enhances the experiential learning aspect exponentially.

“You have to learn how to behave in a courtroom,” said Kristin Knudsen, assistant professor in UAA’s Justice Center. “You have to learn how to walk, stand and address the court — you have to learn all of these skills — and telling people isn’t the same. We have assignments where students go down to the courthouse and watch a trial but it’s not the same. Having a courtroom where they get to roleplay, develop the confidence to appear in front of a judge or juries and expert witnesses, students now know what it feels like to be in court.”

This shared community space is already generating interest across the state with the Alaska Departments of Law and Public Safety holding training and most recently, the National Association of Attorneys General hosting a basic trial advocacy course in the center.

The new simulation courtroom not only expands hands-on learning opportunities for students but also fills critical justice workforce gaps in Alaska by providing a realistic training environment that mirrors professional court settings and prepares students to enter legal, public safety and justice-related careers across the state.

The courtroom was made possible through major funding from the Alaska Department of Law, with additional support from a congressionally directed spending request supported by U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, as well as contributions from private donors. While students and the legal and justice community benefit from the courtroom now, planned future enhancements include additional furnishings, the installation of acoustic panels and the creation of an endowed fund to ensure the courtroom maintains cutting-edge technology for years to come.