We were given access to resources, including a specially written criminal case, to help us prepare legal arguments. After preparation, we finally took part in a local heat and went head-to-head with other schools to prosecute and defend the case. We won as both prosecution and defence, and overall had a great time!

Mrs Boulden
Director of Studies, Year 9

Zoe, Defendant

On the Magistrate's trip, I had a huge amount of fun learning the ins and outs of the case, and finding ways to frame the case so that I seemed undeniably innocent (which I did!). I had to learn to respond confidently and firmly to the other school’s prosecutors, and I worked with Princess to defend my case. It was an amazing atmosphere, and I am so glad I signed up. This experience has strengthened my hopes of someday becoming a human rights lawyer, and I’m looking forward to (fingers crossed) participating in the Year 12 Mock Bar Trial in a few years’ time!

Princess, Defence Lawyer

I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer, and participating in the Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition was a fantastic opportunity to experience ACTUALLY being a lawyer in a REAL Magistrate's court. Preparing and presenting a closing speech was so exciting; preparing and executing a cross-examination was intense, but worthwhile. At the end of the day, I truly loved the experience and will definitely do it again in Year 12.

Teniola, Prosecution Lawyer

I've always wanted to be a lawyer, so as soon as I heard about the Mock Trial, I took the opportunity, and I am very happy that I did. As a prosecution lawyer, I was tasked with the job of presenting the opening speech, cross-examination (of the defendant from the opposing team) and examination in chief of a witness from our team. Although it took lots of hard work, I am very proud of the result as our team won both defence and prosecution cases. It was great fun and an amazing experience that I would love to revisit in the Year 12 Mock Bar Trial.