Pupils have their day in court

Young people from Mackie Academy in Stonehaven have triumphed in a courtroom drama with a difference.

They were among pupils representing secondary schools during the eighth Aberdeenshire mock trials competition.

The youngsters became lawyers, witnesses, court staff and jurors – and even court reporters and press officers – as the schools competed against each other in simulated court cases .

Participants received tips and a verdict on their performances from legal professionals during the day-long event at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

After three hard-fought rounds the two teams which contested the final were Mackie A and Mackie B.

Mackie A were judged the winners by Sheriff Andrew Miller, Summary Sheriff Christine Mccrossan and solicitor Matthew Edwards.

Councillor Gillian Owen, chairwoman of Aberdeenshire Council’s education and children’s services committee, said the contest had a serious purpose.

“This innovative initiative gives children and young people a real hands on experience of finding out how the criminal justice system and courts in Aberdeenshire work,” she said.

“The council not only has a duty to provide children and young people with the best possible education but also to help them become responsible citizens – the mock trails competition achieves this aim.”