Schools Mock Trial Returns to Royal Courts of Justice

The Northern Ireland heat of the Young Citizens Bar Mock Trial competition took place at the Royal Courts of Justice recently. It was the first in person competition since 2019 with 11 schools from across Northern Ireland taking part.

The competition is open to 15–18-year old’s and aims to help educate pupils on law and the judicial system.

Wishing luck to the 180 pupils who were participating Bar Chair Moira Smyth KC commented: “I’m delighted to welcome schools from right across our jurisdiction. The Mock Trial Competition is a wonderful initiative from the Young Citizens organisation, providing exposure to the judicial system, its venues and access to senior legal professionals. Some of today’s participants, will go onto have a career in the law. Others will pursue a different and no less fulfilling career path. The important part of the competition is the opportunity it provides to build vital skills. Skills such as critical analysis and teamwork – useful for any future career and life in general.”

Speaking about the competition Akasa Pradhan, Public Legal Education Manager with Young Citizens commented: “To build a fairer society, students need to have positive encounters with the legal system from an early age. Every young person should understand their rights, responsibilities and the rule of law, whether or not they go on to practice it. Our Mock Trial Competitions are a special way to do this, offering an engaging and accessible starting point that builds participants’ skills, confidence and knowledge. We were thrilled to be able to return to the Royal Courts of Justice, Belfast supported by the Bar of Northern Ireland this year.”

Following a number of tense rounds St Dominic’s Grammar School Belfast collected the shield on the day. They will progress to the national final which will take place at The Old Bailey in May.