Young people tackling today's issues in court
Thursday 10th June 2010
Students from Wymondham College, along with17 other schools across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are to take part in the national final of the Citizenship Foundation's Magistrates' Court Mock Trial Competition on 26 June. The teams of 12-14 year olds, the regional finalists from over 350 state-funded secondary schools, will take on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates and court staff to compete in the 16th annual competition, at the historic Victoria Law Courts in Birmingham. The competition aims to introduce young people to the legal system in an innovative and exciting way with real-life cases that tackle key issues facing young people, including knife crime and online harassment.
The teams will compete against other schools in a real courtroom, as prosecution and defence, their performance will be judged by real magistrates and legal professionals. The competition develops pupils' confidence, public speaking, analysis and team work skills as well as increasing their awareness of the law and its relevance to them. Teachers have noted that pupils gain a greater insight into law and order by taking part in the competition. A participating teacher said: 'It's an excellent idea for promoting understanding of the legal system, especially of individual rights in the magistrates' court and of fostering confident formal speaking and a competitive spirit.'
It also serves as a refreshing and positive example of young people in today's society. According to the Youth Justice Annual Workload Data 2007/08 by the Youth Justice Board (2009) the number of young people entering the justice system is falling.
The competition is organised by the Citizenship Foundation in partnership with the Magistrates' Association, local magistrates and court staff. The Citizenship Foundation provides support to competing schools via a comprehensive guide, which details competition rules, court procedures and information about the criminal justice system. The competition is funded by Her Majesty's Courts Service.
« Go back
