Scotland hosts schools' mock trial final

Senior school students from throughout the UK will descend on Parliament House in Edinburgh this weekend, for the final of the UK Bar Mock Trial Competition.

Boclair Academy, Bearsden, will represent Scotland among the 24 winners of regional heats in a competition run by Young Citizens as a way of gaining insight into the justice system. Open to students aged 15 to 18 from non-fee-paying schools, the tournament is supported by the Faculty of Advocates, the Bar Council of England & Wales, the Bar Library of Northern Ireland, HM Courts & Tribunals Service, the Circuits and the Inns of Court.

Teams will act out criminal trials in real courtrooms and before real legal professionals, including judges led by Lord Leveson. Students take the parts of prosecuting and defence lawyers, as well as witnesses, clerk, macer (usher) and jurors.

This is the fourth time in its 28 years that Scotland has hosted the final.

Gordon Jackson QC, Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, said: “The Bar Mock Trial Competition allows school students to demystify the courts and the law, as well as learn about advocacy and the art of persuasion. The standard of advocacy on display is always extremely high, and it is wonderful to see the hard work and enthusiasm which the students unfailingly bring to the event.

“Hosting the national final in Edinburgh is a wonderful opportunity to see the healthy future of the legal profession across the UK. The Faculty is delighted to be involved in facilitating this event which is enjoyed by so many students year after year.”