Hackney school runner-up in local mock trials cliff-hanger

The Bridge Academy team

A well-briefed and enthusiastic team from Hackney secondary school Bridge Academy just missed stealing the crown in local Mock Trials held at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 6 March.

Last year’s winner, Camden secondary school Acland Burghley, again won the competition, but this time only by a narrow margin (496 to 479 points), moving them into the next level of Mock Trial competition, which culminates in national championships to be held later in 2010.

The two teams of 12-15 year olds each took turns in prosecuting and defending a specially written case of a gang-related knife crime.

Students took on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates and court staff. Judging of the competition was carried out by real magistrates and legal professionals, who volunteered their time for the event.

According to Mel Simon, a Highbury Corner magistrate and coordinator of the Court’s ‘Magistrates in the Community’ effort, “The standard of performance was extremely high this year, and the outcome was a real cliff-hanger.”

Mr Simon noted that, “Acland Burghley’s experience carried the day, and they came extremely well prepared. But Bridge Academy has made huge strides – it is hard to believe this is only their second time participating in the Mock Trials.” He added, “I hope to see both teams back next year – it should be a marvellous competition.”

Now in its fifteenth year, the Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition offers young people a hands-on introduction to the legal system, and how law can be relevant to their everyday lives. Over 300 schools across the country compete each year.