Year 10 MSM Students Compete In Bar Mock Trial

On Saturday 2nd December Miss Evans and Mr Hinchley took a group of Year 10 students to the Law School at Leeds Beckett University to compete in the Bar Mock Trial competition, where students take on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, jury and court staff in a trial; students had been preparing for this competition since September while juggling their studies.

Students prepared two cases: the first case, R v Newton, involved a university student accused of unlawful access to computer material, allowing students to explore the complexities of the law and social media. The second case, R v Hynes, explored the issues around peaceful protest with the defendant accused of committing a public nuisance.

Students excelled as the youngest competitors against mostly sixth form students, winning 2 out of their 3 rounds! Both prosecution and defence teams demonstrated their eloquence and professionalism, as well as their dedication in previous preparation. It was also great to see ex-Mount St Mary’s students representing Notre Dame Sixth Form College and Elliot Hudson College.

Students also took part in a question-and-answer session with the judges, all of whom work in the law as barristers or magistrates. They were able to gain insight into the different routes into law and the realities of the profession – sometimes with brutal honesty! This was a really exciting opportunity for students, especially those looking at a future career in law. Now they have had their first experience of competition, they will return next year as Year 11 students.