The Bar National Mock Trial Competition

1
The Bar National Mock Trial Competition

• It is a great pleasure to take part in the Bar
  National Mock Trial. What better way to sharpen
  your wits, practice your speaking skills and
  learn about justice?
• Stephen Irwin QC, Chairman of the General Council
  of the Bar of England and Wales.

2
What Is It?

• The Mock Trial is a competition in which
  teenagers take part in fictional, but realistic,
  court trials.
• Teams from different schools are pitted against
  each other, one side prosecuting, the other
  defending.
• It allows young people to take on the roles of
  barristers, witnesses, jurors, court usher and
  court clerk.

3
Roles In The Court - Barristers

• Barristers are the consultants in the legal
  profession.
• They represent clients when they go to court,
  either prosecuting or defending a case.
• Barristers enjoy the drama of the courtroom and
  should be able to think quickly on his/her feet.

4
Roles In The Court - Witnesses

• Witnesses are people who are able to provide the
  court with information about what happened.
• They are called to court and are questioned by
  the barristers.
• To be a good witness in a Mock Trial, you need to
  be believable. This is the role for you if you
  enjoy acting!

5
Roles In The Court - Jury

• The role of the jury is extremely important.
• The role of a juror is to decide the verdict of
  the case based on the facts presented to them by
  the barristers and witnesses involved in the
  case.
• It is an opportunity for you to understand the
  role of ordinary citizens in the criminal justice
  system.
• You will be provided with a verdict worksheet to
  help you formulate your arguments and make
  decisions.

6
Roles In The Court - Court Staff

• The court clerk looks after the documents
  required for the trial. S/he also carries out
  some of the formalities of the court and is
  responsible for checking the names and details of
  the defendant and witnesses.
• The usher is responsible for the smooth running
  of the court. S/he keeps order in the courtroom
  and escorts witnesses.

7
Preparation

• The team are sent two cases from the competition
  organisers.
• You have 10 weeks to prepare 2 cases.
• Those playing the part of witnesses must learn
  their statements off by heart.

8
Why Take Part?

• The competition allows young people to get a feel
  for a court room.
• Aspiring barristers can experience first hand
  what its like to put a witness on the stand.
• Its a chance to meet many new people and make
  new friends.
• Winning is fantastic! We won the Regional Heat in
  2005 and participated in the National Final in
  the Old Bailey, London!