Magazine Articles

Banbridge Academy Magazine 2021-2022: Bar Mock Trials Article

Banbridge Academy Magazine 2022-2023: Bar Mock Trial Article

The Bar Mock Trial is a prestigious competition which gives young people an exciting and innovative insight into the workings of the legal system. The Competition has run every year since 1991, involving over 2,000 students. It is made possible with the help of legal professionals who volunteer their time, including 300 barristers and advocates and 90 judges from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Teams of students use witness statements to prepare the prosecution and defence of two specially written criminal cases. Students take on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, court staff and jurors and compete against other schools in a live format, with one team prosecuting and the other defending. Their performances are judged by Circuit Judges and senior barristers and take place in Crown Courts across the UK. At regional heats teams take part in three trials both prosecuting and defending one case and prosecuting or defending the other.

Students who take part are encouraged to think critically, build arguments and boost their confidence. Through enabling students to interact with legal professionals, the competition helps develop employability skills. The experience will help students develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the role of law and the justice system in our society.

‘This is a wonderful opportunity to educate students about the finer workings of the Bar, which would otherwise remain a mystery to many young people. The effort and enthusiasm of the students is a joy to see.’

Maura McGowan QC, Chairman of the Bar Council 2013

Auditions for the Bar Mock Trial team take place in early September and the team meets every Wednesday afternoon from 1.45pm to 3.25pm and during various lunchtimes. The competition takes place in November in the Royal Court of Justice, Belfast. Preparations are assisted by past pupils who are Barristers – Severina Kelley and Vikki Singer.

Previous Successes:

2015 – 2016: Winner of Regional Final

                     Participated in the National Final at the Old Bailey, London

2018 – 2019: Winner of Regional Final

                     2nd place in the National Final at the Royal Courts of Justice,      

                     Edinburgh

Teacher involved: Miss McClelland