Mock Trial Competition

I spent Saturday morning at the Newbury magistrates' court watching the heats of the Mock Trials Competition. Pupils from four local secondary schools were taking part: Park House, Trinity, Kennet and Downs. All participants had to be aged 12 to 14, so could be from years 7,8 and 9.

This was my first time in a magistrates' court, - and the first time for many of the participants and their parents too I should imagine. The winners from this round go on to compete with winners from all over Berkshire at Reading, and the national finals are held in Nottingham in May. Each school provided lawyers, witnesses, ushers, clerks, and defendents, and took turns to prosecute and defend the same case. It was fascinating to watch the way the same evidence could appear so different each time - one defendant was found guilty, the other three innocent.

I had an additional reason to take an interest as my elder son Theo was on the Trinity team, taking the role of a magistrate. I am very impressed at the work the local magistrates put in to organise the competition and judge it on the day. The High Sherrif was also there for the day, and while the judges were deliberating he entertained all of us by describing his traditional role and costume. Downs School won the heat, and the runners up were Park House.