Salopians compete in Independent Schools Mock Trial Competition

A group of Salopians were put to the test in the Independent Schools Mock Trial Competition. Theo W (SH, LVI) tells us more. 

Last week on Thursday, 17th of March, I and a dozen others, with a small jury as well, took part in the ‘Independent Schools Young Citizens Mock Trial’ which was a national competition in which 18 Independent schools took part.

We spent weeks preparing and we were all very much looking forward to the day which was designed to replicate what a lawyer may have to go through. We learned to use leading questions, as we appeared as dogmatic and assertive as we could, particularly in our cross-examinations appearing more persuasive and reserved in our open questions which we did with the examination in chief. It was also paramount that we avoided asking a question that we didn’t know the answer to as to control the narrative and make the witness appear less credible wherever possible with their testimony.

I definitely speak for the whole team when I say that the day gave us a greater understanding of the British legal system and how the prosecution bears the burden of proof rather than the defence, with an emphasis on spontaneity, particularly with spotting inconsistencies that the opposing team may have brought up in their arguments throughout the day. It was a great opportunity to get to know more people, as many of us don't share the same lessons, which also amalgamates with the fact that we were against people from other schools and that was also a very positive experience which I took from the day.

We started the day up against Wellington College in the R v Summers case, in which we were defending Max Summers who had been accused of witness intimidation. Despite a great effort from two of our barristers we, unfortunately, lost this first case.

As the day went on though we found more success as a team with the second case which was R v Piper, who had been accused of assault. Shrewsbury was again defending with this case against Haberdasher’s Askes’ School. We were successful in arguing our case with the Judge agreeing with the jury’s unanimous verdict of not guilty. Then finally, after lunch, we were against Ardingly College, again with the R v Summers case this time as the prosecution, which we did well with winning it second time round.

It was a hugely rewarding day and as Miss Corcoran reminded us at the end, most barristers only do one trial a day or a trial spread over multiple days. With the fact that as a team we were able to manage three trials in one day against three different opponents, each time, is an achievement on its own.

The winning school was Sydenham High School who we didn't go up against at any point. Whilst it was disappointing to not win the overall event with the hard work that we put in, it was nevertheless a very worthwhile thing to do and the skills which I feel I have improved because of doing it are easily transferable such as time management, public speaking under pressure, and teamwork, amongst others, are some of the key things that as a team we have all taken from what was both an enjoyable and enterprising day.