All - Year 8 and Year 9 Magistrates Mock Trial Competition Success!
On the morning of Saturday 21st May 2022, a team of 13 Year 8 and Year 9 John Taylor students, arrived at Cannock Magistrates’ Court ready to compete in this year’s local heat of the Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition.
The Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition is organised by the Citizenship Foundation, an independent charity which helps young people gain an insight into how the legal justice system works.
The competition involves a team of students taking on the roles of magistrates, lawyers, witnesses, and court staff to prepare a specially written case. This year’s case involved a charge of harassment contrary to section 2 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. The competition involves an incredible amount of work including, writing closing and opening arguments, cross examination questions and learning court etiquette.
In the first round, John Taylor’s defence team faced Sir Graham Balfour School. Even though our students had never been in a court room before they showed no signs of any nerves and delivered an amazing performance.
In the second round our prosecution team faced Codsall Middle School. Once again, our students gave an outstanding performance, and they clearly enjoyed the opportunity to immerse themselves in the experience.
The morning finished with the announcement of the results. John Taylor had impressed the judges so much that we scored the highest number of points, winning the Staffordshire Heat!
Overall, the John Taylor team’s strong performance was the result of everyone’s tremendous effort. I would like to congratulate all those who participated and thank friends and family who supported the students on the day.
Finally, we are very grateful to all the Magistrates and Court staff who helped facilitate the competition and allowed our students to experience such a valuable, educational, and enjoyable experience.
Prosecution Team
Prosecution Lawyer 1 George
Prosecution Lawyer 2 Isla
Prosecution Witness 1 Darcie
Prosecution Witness 2 Rhianna
Legal Adviser Amber
Defence Team
Defence Lawyer 1 Ellie
Defence Lawyer 2 Chole
Defendant Abigail
Defence Witness Megan
Usher Samuel
Bench
Magistrate 1 George
Magistrate 2 Fleurella
Magistrate 3 Harley
