On Saturday 25 March, schools will go head-to-head to prosecute and defend two cases tackling topical legal issues, in the first in-person final since the COVID-19 pandemic. 11 judges, including Sir Brian Leveson, will oversee each mock criminal trial and score the students’ performances,
The National Bar Mock Trial Competition was founded in 1989 by Young Citizens (formerly The Citizenship Foundation), and is backed by the Bar Council.
Bar chair Nick Vineall KC said: ‘The Bar Mock Trial competition is a truly wonderful initiative for school students, and it is a great way to attract the best young people to the Bar of tomorrow. I am delighted the Bar Council supports this project that provides practical experience and a real insight into our profession.’
Ashley Hodges, CEO of Young Citizens, said: ‘Legal literacy is at the foundation of a thriving democracy. With nearly 2/3 of us not knowing our basic legal rights, programmes like Mock Trial Competitions are a vital way for young people to develop this knowledge and other key life skills. We are so grateful that the finalist schools will get the chance to visit The Royal Courts of Justice in person again. It is inspiring experiences like these that truly light the spark of active citizenship in young people and resonate throughout their lives.’
