Next generation of young lawyers battle it out (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Wandsworth's Burntwood school defeats Merton and Kingston schools in mock trial competition at magistrates' court

10:00am Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News By Lauren May, Chief Reporter

Over a hundred youths appeared in court this week - but for all the right reasons as they took part in a mock trial competition at Wimbledon Magistrates Court.

Groups of 12 to 14 years olds were at the court on Saturday, March 9, to take on the role of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates and court staff for the 19th annual competition run by the Citizenship Foundation in partnership with the Magistrates’ Association.

The winning team were from Burntwood School, in Wandsworth, who will now proceed to the regional finals at the Wimbledon courthouse on May 11.

Magistrate Christine Wood, said: "Participation in the competition provides excellent opportunities for young people to develop their knowledge and understanding of the criminal juctice system.

"As one student said "It's been great coming to a real courthouse for our trial, but I was a bit stunned when the prosecution lawyer put witnesses on the spot, asking really difficult questions."

Six schools from Wandsworth, Kingston and Merton were joined by the Mayor of Merton, David Williams, MP for Wimbledon Stephen Hammond and MP for Battersea, Jane Ellison.

All teams were judged by volunteer magistrates who marked the students for their preparation and efforts on the case.

The national finals will take place at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court in June.