Schools are wanted for mock trial competition
THE search is on for legal eagles to take part in a schools mock trial event.
The school Courts Competition involves pupils enacting a criminal case at Leicester Crown Court, in front of real judges.
The organisers are two
Leicester barristers, Mary Prior QC and her husband Paul, along with city solicitor advocate, Helen Johnson.
They are inviting senior schools in Leicestershire to submit a team. Each is to consist of 14 pupils, aged 13 to 16, who will take part in a fictitious trial on Saturday,
March 28.
Miss Johnson said: “Those taking part will have a great day seeing first-hand how the criminal justice system works from the inside.
“Team members will be mentored by barristers and solicitors, who will go into the schools to coach them.”
Paul said: “It’s a terrific opportunity for young people to take part in all aspects of a fictional court case.
“Lawyers will be coaching them in readiness for the big day. Every student will understand their role and be well prepared.
“We hope to nurture those with a talent and inform our young citizens about the importance of trial by jury.”
Those taking part will be assigned various roles: prosecutor, defence advocate, court clerk, court usher, witnesses, as well as jurors, a witness support officer, a press reporter and, for the first time, a court artist’s role.
A journalist from our sister paper the Leicester Mercury will be judging the court reporting entries, which will include writing a headline.
Those with a flair for acting are particularly suited to playing the role of witnesses who give evidence about what happened.
Prizes will be awarded to school teams as well as a number of individual awards such as Best Advocate and Exceptional Ability.
All contestants taking part will receive an official certificate.
Only one team per school is permitted. Any schools interested should arrange for a teacher to contact Helen Johnson, of Johnson Astills solicitors, by emailing her at:
There will be a meeting for school staff members who will be supervising the event to obtain all the information and ask any questions.
“Only 12 schools can take part and we already have six teams signed up,” said Paul. “So if you want to sign up enrol as soon as possible.”