Hundred pupils in court to show off skills
More than 100 young people will be in court on Saturday – but they'll be showing off their talents rather than answering for their misdemeanours.
The 110 young people from across the county will be at Telford Magistrates Court to fight out a "case" in front of magistrates in the annual mock trial competition.
Groups of 12 to 14-year-olds will take on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates, court staff and a defendant in the 20th annual competition, which is run by the Citizenship Foundation in partnership with the Magistrates Association.
The students will enact a specially written case in which the defendant stands accused of dishonestly receiving a stolen bicycle. The competition helps students learn about all aspects of the criminal justice system and to develop confidence in personal skills such as public speaking, analysis techniques and working as a team.
Local magistrates, law students and other legal professionals help the teams prepare by giving information on the everyday workings of magistrates courts and hosting court visits.
Students may also take part in the court reporter and court artist competitions.
Last year's local round was won by a team from Hadley Learning Community (HLC) in Telford.
Deputy headmaster Daniel Roycroft said: "Hadley Learning Community was lucky enough to win a place at the national finals.
"This was a wonderful experience for all the students involved and has been an experience they will never forget.
"The competition was well organised to allow all students an opportunity to develop a thorough insight into the workings of the legal system."
The Telford heat will host six schools on Saturday, including students from Sundorne School in Shrewsbury and Ercall Wood, Charlton, Phoenix Academy and Hadley Learning Community in Telford.
The national final will be held in June.
