Magistrates Mock Trial Competition for St Martin's Pupils

The Law Society Club participated in a Magistrate mock trial heat competing against other schools at Basildon Crown Court on Saturday 15 March. This is the first time that St Martin’s pupils have entered this competition organised by Young Citizens and the Year 9 pupils involved performed fantastically well.

Over the past term, they studied a case appertaining to Section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953, requiring them to take on the various roles such as, Defence and Prosecution Barristers, Usher, Witnesses for defence and prosecution, Court Clerk, and Magistrates. From the facts of the case, they wrote their own scripts and rehearsed together, with some guidance from a Magistrate, Mr Hayward JP.

In their first heat, the St Martin's Defence Barristers competed against Ormiston River’s Prosecution team. Although their prosecution was formidable, St Martin's Defence Barristers and Witnesses provided the Magistrates with reasonable doubt that the accused was guilty, therefore winning the heat! Next were the St Martin's Prosecution Barristers and Witnesses against the Defence team of Gilberd School. The team did not falter and actually did the impossible; they argued and proved that the accused was guilty in a case with many loop holes!

Although, both heats were won, St Martin's achieved 3rd place overall. However, the Lead Magistrate advised Miss Goulding, who occompanied the pupils, that they were extremely impressed with the pupils and achieving 3rd place for a first-time entry, was amazing! The pupils also had the honour of meeting the King’s High Sheriff of Essex, who explained the importance of democracy.