Leeds Beckett hosts the Young Citizens Mock Trials Leeds heat

The Young Citizens Mock Trial Competition is designed to engage 15–18-year-olds with the subject of law, where they get the chance to take on the main roles found in a criminal trial, such as prosecutor, defendant, and witness. As part of the competition, cases are specially written by legal experts and each school is given time to prepare in advance.

In 2023, regional heats were held across the country, including the one held at Leeds Beckett University, where finalists were selected to attend the final in London in March 2023. As the largest and longest-running competition of its kind, it gives students a great opportunity to see how a courtroom operates and put their skills to the test.

As part of the Leeds heat, student ambassadors studying Law at Leeds Beckett University assisted the event and were given the opportunity to network with local barristers. 

Alycia Hurst commented on her role as an ambassador at the mock trial: “I had to work with students from other schools, watch the trials and help set up. The students had been planning and preparing for this event for several weeks. On the day, I worked alongside barristers as they were the ones who judged the event. 

Daaniyal Azam also said: “As a student ambassador my role included setting up the court rooms and monitoring the event throughout the day. I enjoyed the atmosphere as it was good to see younger people take an interest in these sorts of activities. I had taken part in mock trials during my time in Sixth Form, so it was quite fun to be the one not arguing for once. It was good to see the arguments the groups were making as part of their case, particularly as some of them were not arguments I would make, so it challenged my own thought process, which I found quite interesting and educating.”

Angad Wason also took part as a student ambassador: “The mock court trials were the highlight of the day, providing an opportunity for participants to demonstrate their legal knowledge, argumentative skills, and critical thinking abilities. Each team, representing their respective colleges, crafted compelling arguments and employed various legal strategies to prove their cases. Witnessing the intense courtroom battles unfold was truly exhilarating, as the students brought the law to life with their passionate presentations and sharp cross-examinations.

“The trials effectively simulated the complexity and intricacies of real-world court proceedings, allowing the participants to gain valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of a legal career.”

Anjali Pandit, another student ambassador, said “This is the second time I have helped with this event and it has been very insightful. Having the opportunity to talk to the judges who were barristers or solicitors was an excellent networking opportunity and I was able to connect with them on LinkedIn.”

More information about the Young Citizens Mock Trial can be found on their website. You can also find out more about studying Law at Leeds Beckett University on the Leeds Law School website.