Leeds Law School hosts mock trials event

It was the third year in a row that Leeds Beckett University hosted the event, but the first time it was held in the new home of Leeds Law School in Broadcasting Place. The event involved 15 schools from Yorkshire competing against each other in three rounds of mock trials.

A group of Leeds Beckett student ambassadors, predominantly law students, supported on the day with the set-up and looking after school students. They were also able to network with the eight volunteer judges who were taking part.

Jessica Linton, a LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology student and student ambassador, said: “I found the experience incredibly helpful. It was interesting to see the approach taken by the students arguing the case and the feedback from the judges was good for my development too.

“The event also provided networking opportunities and because of the support I gave on the day I was able to arrange some work experience to sit alongside a judge in real life.  I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would encourage others with the opportunity to get involved.”

Broadcasting Place houses a number of brand new law facilities including a courtroom, Harvard lecture theatre and social learning spaces, providing a great location for the mock trials.

Lizzy Cross, Bar Mock Trials Coordinator at Young Citizens, organised the event.  She said “The Young Citizens team really enjoyed working with Leeds Beckett to host the Bar Mock Trials Leeds Regional Heat at the University’s Law School. The student ambassadors did a superb job in looking after the schools and judges, as well as helping the Young Citizens facilitators.

“There was a fantastic atmosphere; everybody - from schools and volunteer judges to the university team and student ambassadors - was fully engaged and had a great time. Competition was fierce but respectful, and students and judges alike enjoyed the Q&A session that followed the trials.”

St Mary’s College, Hull, were the winning team and will go on to attend the Young Citizens Bar Mock Trial National Final in March.


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