The Bar Mock Trial Competition
The Bar National Mock Trial Competition
The Bar National Mock Trial Competition has been running since 1991 and each year involves over 200 schools and nearly 3,000 students from across the UK. Teams of up to 15 students (16 in Scotland), aged between 15 and 18, prepare the prosecution and defence of two specially written criminal cases and take on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, court staff and jurors in a mock trial. Their performances are judged by Circuit Judges, Recorders (Sheriffs in Scotland) and senior barristers/advocates. Each team takes part in regional heats, held in November each year, and the winners of the heats go on to a National Final, held in spring the following year.
The Competition seeks to promote citizenship and demystify the legal process. By taking part in a mock trial young people gain an understanding of criminal law and the criminal justice system, and explore how legal rights and responsibilities operate in practice. The Competition is one example of the Bar’s commitment to promoting public understanding of the legal system and encouraging a broader range of people to join the legal profession.
The Competition is organised by the Citizenship Foundation and funded by the Bar Council, the Faculty of Advocates, the Bar Council of Northern Ireland, the Inns of Court and the Circuits. Barristers can play a vital role in the Competition:
- as a school adviser - barristers can be assigned to a school that is taking part in the Competition to advise students on the law and on issues such as court procedures, court etiquette and issues of evidence. School advisers attend the regional heat with their school to answer any last minute questions and provide moral support. The school adviser is also invited to attend the Final with those schools which qualify.
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to help with the Regional Heats/Final – barristers are always welcome to assist with the running of the regional heats and/or the Final. This will mean overseeing the mock trials, advising students on court procedures and generally ensuring the smooth running of the Competition.
If you are able to help with the Competition, please contact:
Darren Debock
Bar National Mock Trial Competition Project Officer
The Citizenship Foundation
For further information about the Competition please visit the Citizenship Foundation website [http://www.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk/main/comps.php?21]
