Students participated in a Bar Mock Trial competition at Leeds Magistrates Court against 9 other local schools and sixth forms. They spent weeks in their own time and in extra sessions lead by Law Teacher Katy Walton to prepare two case studies, which showed real dedication and a love of learning. They had to prepare arguments for both prosecution and defence and were told shortly before the competition which side they would be.
They then had to present their given side to a barrister who was acting as the judge with the opposing school acting as the other side. Students had to give opening and closing speeches as well as examinations in chief and cross examinations.
The team is made up of 15 students who all participated and gave up their time on a weekend to do this. There is a range of roles which included barristers, witnesses, court clerks, ushers and jury members. The team was made up of a mixture of Law and non-Law students with an audition process to take part in the competition.
All students were an absolute credit to Notre Dame and represented the college to the high levels you would expect. Although they unfortunately didn't qualify for the national finals they received particular praise from the barristers, acting as judges, for their skills and although the jury sided against them, the judges all commented that they would have sided with our students!
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