Recently, Year 12 students participated in an exciting Bar Mock Trial competition at Newcastle Crown Court, which saw them compete against several other schools. Students undertook the roles of barristers, witnesses, court clerks, and ushers, all of whom prepared their own scripts for two court cases, divided between the teams.
The cases involved:
A drug addict charged with possession with intent to supply, and
A security guard accused of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
It was a great opportunity for the students to feel how it is to be in a real courtroom. They also had the chance to act as the jury, deciding on guilty or not-guilty verdicts. Furthermore, the students had the opportunity to ask in a question-and-answer session with real-life barristers–who also acted as competition judges–about questions and queries they had about legal careers. It was an insightful experience, offering a valuable view into the world of law for the students.
By Anaya B