On Saturday 6th June, Young Citizens were joined by students from schools from across the country as Croydon Crown Court hosted the London Mock Trial Regional Final.
Winners from the previous heats went head-to-head across 6 courts over the course of the day, including Calthorpe Park School, Chislehurst School For Girls, Dame Alice Owen’s School, All Saints Catholic School, Goldington Academy, The Nobel School, Aylesbury High School, Hazelwick School, Lampton Academy, St Michaels’s Catholic College, Glenthorne High School, Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College and Belfast Royal Academy, who came all the way from Northern Ireland to be involved.
Ultimately, it was Colchester County High School for Girls who left Croydon as the regional champions, impressing our esteemed judges with well-reasoned, articulate arguments and impressive teamwork. King’s Counsel barristers Kirsty Brimelow and Andrew Walker were on hand to present the award.
The event was the culmination of weeks of regional finals and heats taking place in the North, South and South-West of England, London and the East & West Midlands. 42 magistrates and local organisers worked with teams of local volunteers across 37 regional heats and 6 finals, engaging over 3,000 students and 200 teachers. This year’s competition would not have been possible without their tireless efforts. Young Citizens would like to say a heartfelt thanks to them as well as extend huge congratulations and thanks to the winning and participating teams.
A valuable legal education
More than a question of who wins and loses, the Magistrates’ Court Mock Trials Competition provides young people aged 12-14 with the chance to have an up-close look at the way the law functions in their local communities. In preparing to argue their cases, they gain valuable knowledge and skills, regardless of whether they pursue a career in law.
“It has allowed me to improve my organisation, public speaking and confidence”, said one Colchester County High student. “I have learnt so much about the legal system and as an aspiring barrister this has been an incredibly valuable experience.”
Rajkiran Arhestey, a barrister and one of the competition judge’s, remarked in an interview with Young Citizens on how doing the Mock Trials competition as a child helped shape her career today:
“I think that it’s important to introduce young people to the legal system. An essential part of education. It’s part of the world that we live in, so they should understand it and be able to navigate it as best as they can. I also think that it’s really important as a way of opening up and demystifying this kind of world if people want to go into it as a profession.”
Sarah Sackman: “Events like this bring the justice system to life”
The Minister for State for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC MP, provided a statement to Young Citizens, praising the Magistrates’ Court Mock Trials and providing a reminder of the importance of the role which volunteer magistrates play.
“It’s great to hear this year’s Mock Trial Competition has been such a success, with talented young people stepping up, arguing their cases and experiencing the law in action,” she said. “Events like this bring the justice system to life in a way that’s exciting, real and memorable.”
“Magistrates, ordinary people from all walks of life, already give up their time to volunteer in our courts, so it’s brilliant that so many also helped to make this competition possible and inspire the next generation. I encourage anyone with a curiosity about the law, or a desire to give back, to consider becoming a magistrate and help their local community.”
Certainly, without volunteers the Mock Trials Competition would not be possible, and the same applies to our justice system at large. For more information on how to become a magistrate, visit this website.
Secondary schools – apply now for the Bar Mock Trials Competition 2026/7
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