Year 9 Magistrates Competition – 21 March 2026
The Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition helps young people understand how the law touches every aspect of their lives, gaining an insight into how the legal justice system works. Run by Young Citizens, it is an excellent way for students to get a taste of the law and experience a court case in a real courtroom – but also be on the right side of the law!
This year, fifteen Year 9 students headed off to Winchester Crown Court on Saturday 21st March, having rehearsed a case based on a real-life situation. This year, they had to deal with a case of phone theft, a very real crime on our streets, and they were ready to commence court battle.
In the competition, each student plays the various roles of lawyers, witnesses, defendant, legal advisor, usher, and Magistrates. The team have had weekly rehearsals for a couple of months but much of their preparation was done in their own time as the learning of statements and the writing of questions and speeches is a time consuming extra. Advice and guidance are provided via the in-school rehearsals where students get the chance to run the case against each other – Prosecution V Defence. In the competition itself, they go up against different schools.
Our lawyers spoke eloquently and really put the opposing side through their paces, demonstrating impressive confidence. Our witnesses and defendant had to learn their statement of facts thoroughly and they were ready for any tricky questioning from opposing lawyers, and our legal advisor and usher had to steer legal proceedings within the courtroom itself, both speaking confidently and with evident legal understanding. In the behind-the-scenes discussion, our three Magistrates had to show just how much they had listened to the case and be able to debate the facts articulately. And finally, we had a court artist and a reporter avidly watching the goings on.
As we knew they would be, our students really were amazing as they knew the case in such great depth and their legal abilities were second to none. Comments were made by both parents and judges about their level of skill and how they were so confident regarding the law. We are immensely proud of them for their hard work and focus, but also for how they united as such a supportive team. We look forward to them now participating in the final later this year.
A very well done to our team:
Josie F; Chloe B, Bella B; Maisie G, Kyle B; Tamsin B; Jacob M; Noelani O; Sophie C; Ayla- M. C; Lydia S; Layla H; Amelia S; Kathryn F; Eryn F
