Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition

Excited pupils from three local schools are preparing to take part in the local heat of the Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition 2009/10 at Rochdale, Middleton & Heywood Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 6 March 2010 where the Mayor & Mayoress will present the certificates to the winning team.

Now in its sixteenth year the competition, organised by the Citizenship Foundation in partnership with the Magistrates’ Association and local magistrates and court staff, aims to introduce young people to the legal system in an innovative and inspiring way. This year’s case involves a possession of a bladed instrument.

Teams of 12-14 year olds take on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates and court staff in a specially written criminal case, battling against other schools – as prosecution and defence – with their performance judged by real magistrates and legal professionals.

Vivien Carter, Local organiser said: “Rochdale, Middleton & Heywood Magistrates’ Court is proud to be hosting a local heat for the competition. The magistrates really enjoy working with young people from local schools, and have already visited a number of schools to conduct presentations about the magistracy.”

Tony Breslin, Citizenship Foundation Chief Executive added: “Over 95% of criminals cases are dealt with by magistrates, yet very few people know enough about their vital role. The Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition offers young people a hands-on introduction to the legal system, and how law can be relevant to their everyday lives.”

Local schools attending the event are:

• Springhill High School
• Siddal Moor Sports College
• St Anne’s Academy