See You in Court!

On Saturday 11 March a group of 19 Year 9s, accompanied by their parents and Mrs Phipps and Miss Joel, made their way to Reading Crown Court to take part in the Berkshire Heat of the Mock Trial Competition.

The team took on the roles of Magistrates, Witnesses, Lawyers, a Legal Advisor, Court Artists and Court Reporters and an Usher and they proceeded to both prosecute and defend a case against other local schools. The fictional Defendant had been accused of being in possession of an offensive weapon contrary to Section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953. The Prosecution Team had to prove the Defendant’s guilt beyond all reasonable doubt whilst the Defence Team had to ensure that their client received a not guilty verdict.

Our team underwent rigorous preparations, meeting every Monday after school for several months and also working independently to ensure they knew the case and their roles inside out. We received some expert support including visits from a local Magistrate and Law students from Reading University who also spoke to them about their experience of University and what a Law degree is really like. We were also extremely fortunate to be supported by Mr Tilling, a Charters parent and practising Barrister who put the team through their paces in cross-examination! We would like to thank everybody who helped us for their time. Participation in the Mock Trial is a wonderful way to learn more about the British Legal system and, as the trial takes place in the Crown Court itself, offers a rare opportunity to see the workings of a courtroom.

All the hard work paid off and we will have another day in court on 13 May as we compete against schools from the Southeast in the final!