National Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition

The National Magistrates' Court Mock Trial Competition is an innovative and exciting way for young people to learn about the criminal justice system and specifically the role of the magistracy and courts. Around 370 schools and 65 magistrates' courts throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland are involved in the competition every year. The competition is run by the Citizenship Foundation, in partnership with the Magistrates' Association, with funding from the Ministry of Justice and Wilkinson. It is open to state funded schools.

Teams consist of 12 or 13 students, from years 8 and 9, who use carefully constructed witness statements to prepare the prosecution and defence of a specially written criminal case. Students take the role of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates and court staff and compete against other schools in a live format. Their performances are judged by real magistrates and other legal professionals and all the heats take place in magistrates' courts, usually on Saturdays.

For more information contact Ann Flintham or contact the MCMT Project Officer at the Citizenship Foundation, tel 020 7566 4141 or visit the Citizenship Foundation website.

Click here for a report on the Mock Trial Competition 2010