For students curious about forensic science, criminal investigations, or courtroom strategy, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is opening the door to a week where evidence does the talking.
SIUE will host its Crime Scene to Court workshop from June 22 through June 26, 2026, at the Southwest Illinois Center for Justice and Workforce Development in Belleville. Designed for rising students in grades 10 through 12, the free program will guide participants through the journey of a criminal case, beginning at a simulated crime scene and ending inside a mock courtroom.
From Collecting Evidence to Taking the Stand
During the Crime Scene to Court workshop, students will process a staged crime scene and learn how investigators identify, document, and collect potential evidence. Rather than watching from the sidelines, participants will gain practical experience handling the details that can shape a case.
Students will then conduct laboratory analyses on selected evidence. Their findings will become part of the legal preparation for the program’s final mock trial.
The courtroom portion introduces students to the responsibilities of attorneys and witnesses. Participants will learn how forensic evidence may be presented, questioned, and interpreted during legal proceedings. By the end of the week, the crime scene, laboratory, and courtroom will fit together like pieces of one complicated civic puzzle.
A Free Opportunity for Future Professionals
The Crime Scene to Court workshop is free and includes lunch. Funding is provided through sponsorship from the SIU Simmons Law School, with support from program partners Southern Illinois University Carbondale, SIUE, and Saint Louis University.
The program offers students an early look at career paths in forensic science, law enforcement, laboratory research, criminal justice, and law. It also reflects SIUE’s emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world academic experiences.
SIUE serves a diverse student population from its 2,660-acre campus near St. Louis. The university focuses on expanding educational opportunity, strengthening social and economic mobility, and preparing students for the evolving workforce.
Crime Scene to Court Workshop Details
Dates: June 22–26, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Southwest Illinois Center for Justice and Workforce Development
Address: 2300 W. Main St., Belleville, Illinois
Admission: Free, including lunch
Eligible students: Rising students in grades 10–12