Students Participate in a Crown Court Mock Trial

Nine students from the 5^th Year and the Sixth Form participated in a Crown Court mock trial on Sunday 7^th March with the school hosting this online opportunity provided by The Lawyer Portal.

The 3-hour workshop provided participants with a true-to-life interactive experience of a criminal law case in a virtual Crown Court, with them assuming the roles of barristers and witnesses.

In the build-up to the mock trial, participants were sent a link to a webinar presentation providing an overview of the English legal system and possible careers in law. In addition, they received a set of instructions (as barristers receive these from solicitors) along with the case files the week before, were advised which role they were playing, and how to prepare for it.

Serena Sekhon, a trainee Barrister, oversaw the trial and ensured its smooth running; she also acted as the overseeing Judge.  After completion of the trial, there was a very popular Q&A about studying law and law careers.

The Churcher’s students embraced this opportunity fully; they prepared fantastic opening and closing speeches, took on, and acted out, very credible performances as the Defendant, witnesses, Police Officers and Barristers and created a dynamic, eloquent and interesting trial. In the process they learned a huge amount and impressed Serena with their performances.

Well done to everyone who participated with such enthusiasm and professionalism.