Edinburgh pupils' thumbs up for latest MiniTrials day

Edinburgh senior school pupils and their teachers have given top markes to the Faculty of Advocates' latest MiniTrials day.

Faculty has been holding MiniTrials events around Scotland since 2002 with the aim of demystifying the law for young people. Saturday's event at Edinburgh Sheriff Court saw teenagers from eight schools take on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, accused and jurors to act out two trials – an assault case and a drugs case – in real courtrooms.

Working from information packs provided by the Faculty, the pupils are assisted by lawyer volunteers.

“It was really exciting, not only getting to be in the courtroom, but given a tour of the cells", said Janey Murdoch, an S6 student at Portobello High School, one of many who enjoyed the day. "Ten out of ten. Everyone should do this.”

Richard Hart, a teacher at Trinity Academy, commented: “Organising the MiniTrials event for the first time was hard work, but to watch more than 100 pupils, teachers, solicitors, advocates and court staff give up their Saturday and have such an enjoyable day made all the effort worthwhile.

“It is safe to say that from the feedback from the young people participating, it is clear that this is a very effective way for them to learn about the law.”

Gemma Banks, a teacher at Portobello High who has seen the event before, added: “As always, I vastly enjoyed participating in MiniTrials again this year. Our young people are so lucky to get the chance to do this, and I am so impressed at what they can achieve in such a short space of time and on the day. It has definitely inspired so many of them to pursue a career in law."