May 3rd, 2023, Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) Public Security Academy student Mehmet Han Yildirim from Turkey had the possibility to participate in live proceedings at the Kaunas District Court. It is an experience that the law student has called „unforgettable.“ 

My goal was to become more closely acquainted with the Lithuanian court system and compare it with Turkey, he said. Viewing the live proceeding in court exceeded my expectations, he added.

Before consideration of the case, I had the possibility with the prosecutor Jurgita Baltrūnienė and colleague Povilas to see how the accused is brought to court and what type of transportation is used. I also could see the facilities, where the accused was held until the start of court proceedings. It was a unique experience and allowed me to see what stages the accused goes through before appearing in court.

Aside from me and another individual, there were also other people in court: the prosecutor, secretary, an attorney for the accused, the accused himself, two policemen and a judge. The victim and his representative didn‘t appear in court. I understood that when the District Court considers cases, the maximum penalty can be 8 years in prison.

Everyone spoke in Lithuanian. The simultaneous translation took place immediately, but I still was unable to grasp all the details. However, I could understand the basics of the case. The accused was charged with disorderly conduct. The defendant didn‘t agree to all the crimes he was accused of. For example, he stated that he didn‘t commit violence against the victim, although the prie-trail investigation indicated otherwise.

The defendant admitted that his actions were inappropriate and intolerable, and that he violated public order, and his behavior was unduly impacted by the influence of alcohol. He added that he regretted his actions. The accused was asked important questions, such as why and who contributed to the fact that he has already been convicted eight times, what is his relationship with his parents.

The answers to these questions, the defendant's behavior and actions reminded me of the universality of human and criminal psychology. I once again concluded that law is closely related to the human emotional world, psychology and social factors. This experience will definitely contribute to my legal career in the future, the Turkish student noted.

This experience for me in the Kaunas District Court is unforgettable. I would like to thank my mentor Danguolė Seniutienė and Prosecutor Jurgita Baltrūnienė, he said.