magistrates’ court
mock trial competition
LOCAL
ORGANISERS’
GUIDE
magistrates’ court mock trial competition 2009/10
October 2009
Welcome to this year’s Competition. We have received over 370 entries from schools across
England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This guide contains information about how to organise a heat, including the timeline of events,
volunteer roles, and the scoring system. This year’s competition features the following resources
for schools which are available on the website:
Lesson plans
Schemes of work
Post heat activities
Web forum to exchange ideas with other teachers
Additional activities on the law and Criminal Justice System
A specially written criminal case, the guides for volunteers and a copy of the schools’ guide are
also enclosed.
If you have not already done so, please confirm the date of your local heat by returning the
enclosed fax back form. The preferable dates are the 6th or 13th of March 2010. Please make
sure that the date does not fall in a Saturday in half term. You can check these on your allocated
schools’ websites.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for hosting a heat. Your support for
the competition is greatly appreciated. If you have any queries, contact me on T: 020 7566 4155,
F: 020 7566 4131 or E: [email protected].
Yours sincerely,
MCMT Project Officer
1
Contents
Organisers & Sponsors 3
Why mock trials? 4
Preparation 5
Timeline 8
Mock Trial Team 9
Recruiting Schools 10
Local Heats 12
Draw allocation 13
Co-ordinating teachers 14
Order of Procedure 16
Timetable for the day 17
Volunteer Roles on the day
Judging 18
Judging sheet 19
Judges’ feedback forms
Media 21
Local Media 22
Sample news release: Local Heats 23
Notes for editors 24
Sample news release: Following the Local Heat
2
Organisers and sponsors
The Citizenship Foundation is an independent charity,
which aims to empower individuals to engage in the wider
community through education about the law, democracy
and society. Founded in 1989, we focus particularly on developing young people’s citizenship
skills, knowledge and understanding.
Our work, across the UK and internationally, includes:
Citizenship resources for a wide audience from teachers to young offenders;
Nationwide and international training programmes;
National active learning competitions for secondary schools;
Community projects to develop citizenship education as a collective responsibility;
Research to advance our understanding of best practice in citizenship education.
“The Citizenship Foundation is at the forefront of demystifying the law.”
Cherie Booth QC
The Competition is run in partnership with the Magistrates’
Association. The Association is the representative body for the
28,865 lay magistrates in England and Wales. The Association
promotes uniformity of practice, consults and represents its members, provides information, advice
and assistance, raises public awareness of the magistracy and delivers and supports training. The
Association also runs the ‘Magistrates in the Community’ Project (MIC), which involves contact
between local magistrates, schools, the local community and employers to inform the public about
who magistrates are and the work they do in court.
The Ministry of Justice is responsible for upholding justice, rights and
democracy and kindly sponsors the competition. Its objectives are to:
provide effective and accessible justice for all;
ensure people’s rights and responsibilities; and
enhance democratic freedoms by modernising the law and the constitution.
In order to serve the public more effectively, the Ministry of Justice is driving forward
improvements to the justice system, and modernising and safeguarding the constitution. The
Ministry of Justice aims to empower citizens to obtain justice, safeguard their rights, and participate
in a transparent and accountable democratic process.
Her Majesty’s Courts Service (HMCS) is an executive agency of the
Ministry of Justice (MoJ). Their remit is to deliver justice effectively and
efficiently to the public. They are responsible for managing the
magistrates’ courts, the Crown Court, county courts, the High Court and
the Court of Appeal in England and Wales.
3
Why Mock Trials?
About 95% of criminal cases, over one million every year, are dealt with by magistrates, yet very
few people know enough about their vital role.
The Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition:
Helps young people to understand criminal law, the criminal justice system and how courts
work.
Builds bridges between citizens, our legal institutions, magistrates and legal professionals.
Gives young people a sense of ownership towards the courts and criminal justice system
which is vital if they are to become active citizens.
Is rewarding for all students no matter what their ability or personal background.
Helps to develop young people’s skills of listening, reasoning and ability to think on their feet.
Is a fun and innovative way for young people to learn about the law and criminal justice.
“This competition fulfils so many aspects of education - a chance to improve
presentation skills, practice at thinking on your feet, working as a team,
increasing knowledge of the legal system and raising awareness of the
judiciary and their role. Everyone gains something from this competition -
including the teachers and parents as well as the magistrates, lawyers and
court staff who give their support".
John Thornhill, Chairman of the Magistrates' Association
The Citizenship Curriculum
Since September 2002, citizenship education has been a compulsory part of the National
Curriculum. The Competition fulfils key parts of the Citizenship curriculum at Key Stage 3, which
requires students to:
Gain an understanding of the legal and human rights and responsibilities underpinning society,
and basic aspects of the criminal justice system;
Develop skills of enquiry and communication;
Consider moral and social issues, and justify such issues and opinions orally;
Negotiate, decide and take part responsibly in school activities.
“[Participating in the competition] proved immensely stimulating for the students
involved, revealing depths of talent that, in some, surprised and delighted me and
did wonders for the self-confidence of everyone who took part.”
Participating teacher, 2008/09
4
Preparation
This timetable highlights the key tasks for organising a local heat, with refe
Key: Citizenship Foundation (CF) = Correspondence received from MCM
Local Organiser (LO) = Correspondence from CF/Action to be take
Schools = Resources received from CF and action to be taken by te
Month Citizenship Foundation Schools Recruit
September All schools receive
2009/10 application Return
October forms sent to all 2009/10 leaflets heat
state schools
November Receive the following Recruit
Deadline for from CF:
applications: 16th Schools’ Guide Receive th
October 2009 Case Group - LO
School
Resources sent to If schools are unable Case
schools to compete, they Local O
should contact CF Volunt
CF informs schools You w
of their heat and their LO before
allocation and LO the 27th November from C
contact details Send a we
2009 Date, l
Your c
A remi
magist
Arrang
You sh
13th of
n Timetable Page Ref
N/A
erences to corresponding documents in this guide.
MT Project Officer
en
eachers
Local Organisers
t local schools for your heat
n the fax back form to CF to confirm the date of the local p. 17
t volunteers for school visits and the local heat
he following from CF (please distribute to Local Organising
OG):
ls’ Guide
Organisers’ Guide
teers’ Guides
will receive the contact details of the schools in your heat
CF
elcome letter to schools in your heat, including:
location and timetable of the local heat
contact details
inder to schools to organise a court visit and visit from a
trate
ge school visits and court visits
hould book the court for the Local Heat (Saturday 6th or
f March 2010 are the preferable dates)
5
December CF sends draw to Court and You m
LOs school visits to res
January/ take place
start Plans
progra
February prizes
LOG
the h
LOG
Court
Conta
LOG
the d
Requ
Regis
You w
from
may decide to organise a teachers’ briefing meeting p. 13
solve any matters arising p. 21
s the final details of the heat, including posters,
ammes, VIPs, welcome speeches, refreshments,
s, badges, stop clocks.
confirms with schools, the final arrangements for
heat, including parking, programmes, refreshments
sends draw to schools
t visits and school visits take place
act local press to invite them to cover the local heat
arranges a briefing session for all volunteers (or on
day if this is not possible)
uest that schools complete and return the
stration
will receive the draw, score sheet and certificates
CF, no later than 3 weeks prior to the heat
6
March Local heats take place on the 6th or On th
LOCAL 13th March 2010 forms
HEATS
After the
May Score
REGIONAL
forms
FINALS
June Winners of local heats participate in Regional Finals on
NATIONAL Winners of Regional Finals participate in the National Fi
FINAL
Court
August
You will receive the following from CF:
2009/10 evaluation survey
Annual LO newsletter
2010/11 faxback form - invitation to host a heat in
he day, please give the completed judges’ feedback pp. 19 &
s to schools 20
heat LO send the following information to CF:
e sheets, judging sheets, press cuttings, evaluation
s
8th and 15th of May 2010
inal on Saturday 26th of June 2010 at Birmingham Magistrates’
n next year’s competition
7
Mock Trial Team
Age of participants
In England and Wales, the team must be made up of students in years 8 and/or 9. In Northern
Ireland, students must be from years 9 and/or 10.
Any student not within the specified age limit can be disqualified from the team. If this does
happen, we would suggest that the team participates, but is not in the overall rankings. Please
contact the Citizenship Foundation for further details.
Court Reporter Competition (see Schools’ Guide pages 30-33)
Alongside the main competition each team can nominate a maximum of 2 court reporters who
attend a trial taking notes. Students have a maximum of 14 days to write a 250-word newspaper
article and submit their entry to the Citizenship Foundation. Each year we receive over 90 entries,
which are judged centrally at Citizenship Foundation, in conjunction with a real journalist.
LOGs may like to encourage a local newspaper to sponsor a local version of this competition. This is
also a way to gain press coverage of the Local Heat. The newspaper may be able to offer the winner a
prize, or work experience. The students must also send their original copy to the Citizenship
Foundation for the National Court Reporter Competition to: MCMT Project Officer, Citizenship
Foundation, 63 Gee Street, London EC1V 3RS.
Court Artist Competition (see Schools’ Guide page 34)
The court artist competition has become a popular feature of the competition with over 80 entries last
year. A maximum of 2 students from each school attend a trial and produce a sketch of an individual,
or group situation in the court. The sketches should be hand drawn and no computer enhanced
pictures are allowed. They may be in colour or in black and white, and may feature a single person or
a group in the courtroom. Entries are to be sent within 14 days of the local heat to: MCMT Project
Officer, Citizenship Foundation, 63 Gee Street, London EC1V 3RS.
Teams may consist of 12 or 13 students, plus 1 or 2 reserves:
Team of 12 Team of 13
2 prosecution lawyers 2 prosecution lawyers
2 defence lawyers 2 defence lawyers
2 prosecution witnesses 2 prosecution witnesses
2 defence witnesses (including the 2 defence witnesses (including the
defendant) defendant)
3 student magistrates 3 student magistrates
1 officer of the court (legal adviser 1 legal adviser when team is
when team is prosecuting, and prosecuting
usher when team is defending) 1 usher when team is defending
8
Recruiting Schools
The need to recruit schools, and the most effective way of doing so, varies “It is essential to
greatly from area to area. While there is generally keen interest in the be proactive in
competition from schools, this is somewhat dependant on what the recruiting
hosting court has done to generate this interest. The Citizenship schools.”
Foundation arranges for an external mailing house to send a targeted
mailing to all schools eligible to take part in the competition in mid- Local Organiser,
September (i.e. all non fee-paying schools in England, Wales and Northern 2008/09
Ireland). The Citizenship Foundation also sends a mass mailing to teachers
who took part in the competition in the previous year. However, we find that areas where the court
and local organiser have conducted a recruitment drive locally are generally those with the most
successful heats. This does not need to be overly time-consuming, but generally involves calling or
writing to the appropriate member of staff in local schools.
It may be possible for the Citizenship Foundation to put you in contact with other Local
Organisers at nearby courts. Please contact the Project Officer for further information.
Below is an extract from an article originally written for Magistrate magazine, in which Carol
Newman, local organiser for Berkshire, shares her experience of recruiting schools for the
competition.
I was very fortunate when I took over the role of Local Organiser in Berkshire, in that the
previous organiser had run the competition for 12 years and had built up a very strong base,
with great interest from local schools. However, at the beginning of my first year of acting as
Local Organiser, the push to promote more citizenship in the schools was perfectly timed, as
we were able to use this when contacting schools to inform them of the details of the
competition. We are also most fortunate that our High Sheriff is Patron of the Berkshire Mock
Trial Competition and writes to every school in the county in September enclosing an
information leaflet from the Citizenship Foundation and highlighting the benefits to the school
of participating in the competition.
This is followed up by telephone calls from me to introduce myself to the Citizenship Co-
ordinator at every Berkshire school, usually in the two weeks before the deadline for entries.
As the schools register for the competition with the Citizenship Foundation I e-mail the
remainder to remind them of the extended deadline for entries.
With so much interest from teams in Berkshire, supported by the Lord Lieutenant, many
Deputy Lieutenants, local Mayors, Judges, legal professionals, representatives from our
sponsors and with the High Sheriff of Berkshire as our Patron, this has provided an excellent
platform not only to cover the citizenship curriculum in schools, but also for the recruitment of
Magistrates and helps to promote the community engagement initiative run through the Court
Service in the Thames Valley Area.
Carol Newman JP
9
Local Heat Preparation
The Competition is run centrally by the Citizenship Foundation, but relies greatly on volunteers to
organise the heats which generally take place on Saturday mornings. Please book the courthouse well
in advance in liaison with the Clerk to the Justices/Area Director.
Local Organising Group
Each Local Heat is run by a Local Organising Group (LOG), headed by a Local Organiser. The Local
Organiser liaises closely with the MCMT Project Officer at the Citizenship Foundation to ensure their
heat runs smoothly and successfully. A LOG is a very useful way of sharing the preparation work
involved in a Local Heat. LOGs typically consist of: magistrates (current and retired), the Justices’ Clerk
or a Legal Advisor, a bench chairman, the MIC bench co-ordinator, or even a local solicitor.
Magistrates in the Community Project (MIC)
The aim of the MIC project is to ‘Raise awareness in the community of the lay magistracy and its
work in magistrates’ courts, thereby increasing respect for and confidence in justices and the criminal
justice system’. Most areas have a MIC branch liaison officer, who heads a team of magistrates, known
as MIC bench co-ordinators. The bench co-ordinators often conduct presentations in schools, but will
also recruit other magistrates to undertake presentations as well. The Magistrates’ Association can
provide you with the details of your local MIC officers if you do not know who they are. There is a
substantial guide with resources for MIC presenters, and such presentations are very useful
introductions to the magistracy.
School visits
An important aim of the Competition is to provide young people with the opportunity to meet legal
professionals. The Citizenship Foundation encourages LOGs to arrange for magistrates or other legal
professionals to visit schools to introduce them to the work of the magistracy and the criminal justice
system. It is a good idea for LOGs and MIC officers to co-ordinate their activities where possible in
arranging visits to participating schools. Those giving presentations must remember that they are there
to introduce the work of magistrates and offer advice, NOT to coach students for the Competition.
However, it is important that the presenters are familiar with the Competition, or otherwise refer
students’ questions about practical aspects of the event or rules to the Local Organiser.
If you are having difficulties recruiting volunteers to do school visits, please contact the
Magistrates’ Association’s national office for assistance on 020 7387 2353.
Court visits
Attending an active court is an excellent way for the students and teachers to gain an insight into the
work of the magistrates’ courts and to prepare for the Competition. Try to arrange a time when a
suitable trial will take place but, as trials are often postponed or cancelled, this may not be possible.
The law has been changed to permit children below the age of 14 to attend court, at
the court’s discretion. Section 36 of the Children and Young Persons Act which deals with the
general provisions as to proceedings in court, was amended by the Access to Justice Act 1999
and now provides that a child may be permitted to be present in court during the trial of any
person charged with an offence ‘while the court consents to his presence.’
10
Recruiting Volunteers
As a national competition there must be uniformity throughout the heats and it is the responsibility of
the Citizenship Foundation to ensure that all volunteers feel well briefed about their role and how a
heat should run. It is important that you are familiar with the rules and the
case so that you can deal with any problems that arise on the day. The “Have a
Volunteer’s Guides provide detailed descriptions of the roles of Court volunteer
Stewards, Lead Magistrates, Judges and Scorers. Please make sure you and briefing in
all of your volunteers are very familiar with the contents of the guide relevant advance.”
to them. See page 17 for more details.
Local Organiser,
Expenses 2008/09
Expenses can be claimed against a number of different funding streams: MIC,
Court Administration/Justices; Clerk, the local branch of the Magistrates’ Association, and external
sponsorship, but check first which is available. The Head of Court Business at HMCS has
indicated that HMCS is expected to provide support for the competition.
HMCS Local Branch Sponsorship
Magistrates’
Association*
Travel expenses for a
school visits
Travel expenses for a
attending Heat
Attendance of a
security staff
Cleaning on the day a
of Heat
Opening Charges a
(PFI Courts)
Stationery costs
a
Photocopying
a
Postage/Telephone
a
Refreshments
aa a
Prizes
aa a
*You will need to obtain the agreement of the Branch Treasurer before incurring any expenditure
Sponsorship
Many LOGs receive sponsorship from local business to help cover the cost of holding a Local Heat
such as prizes (book tokens, cup, shield), food and refreshments. Some Local Heats are supported by
their High Sheriff, or local solicitors firms.
Local Media
The competition is a great story for local newspapers and radio stations. It involves members of the
community and local schools, and is a very positive story to offer journalists. See pages 22-25 for
more details.
11
Draw Allocations
At Local Heats, teams take part in two trials, both prosecuting and defending the case. The Citizenship
Foundation will provide the Local Organiser with the draw allocation, illustrating which teams will be
playing each other. Teams that continue onto the Regional Finals will be given an additional case to
prepare. On the day of the Regional Final, teams are required to prosecute one case and defend the
other.
Please note that a Local Heat with an uneven number of teams will take longer than the suggested
timetable indicates. Make sure you amend the timetable and make the teachers aware. You may want
to start round 1 earlier and/or continue without a break to round 2.
What happens if a team withdraws?
1. The Citizenship Foundation will provide a new draw. If there is no time to contact the Project
Officer, please use the Draw Allocation table on page 12 to determine the new draw.
2. If a team withdraws from a Regional Final the MCMT Project Officer will provide a new draw. This
can cause greater disruption as teams may be required to prosecute a case they had previously
thought they were defending or vice-versa.
In some circumstances, particularly when a school withdraws very close to the date of the
Regional Final, it may not be possible to re-do the draw. In these circumstances affected
teams will be awarded a bye. Please contact the MCMT Project Officer for further details if
necessary.
12
Draw Allocation Table
In the tables the prosecuting team appears first, i.e. X vs Y = Prosecution vs
Defence
The Citizenship Foundation can also provide draw tables for larger numbers.
Draw Table A - Event for 2 teams
Round 1 AvB
Round 2 BvA
Draw Table B - Event for 3 teams Team sitting out
Round 1 AvB C
A
Round 2 BvC B
Round 3 CvA
Draw Table C - Event for 4 teams
Round 1 AvB CvD
BvC
Round 2 DvA
Draw Table D - Event for 5 teams Teams sitting out
Round 1 - EvA B, C and D
CvD E
Round 2 AvB BvC A
Round 3 DvE
Draw Table E - Event for 6 teams in 3 courtrooms
Round 1 AvB CvD EvF
BvC
Round 2 DvE FvA
Draw Table F - Event for 6 teams in 2 courtrooms Teams sitting out
Round 1 AvB CvD E and F
A and C
Round 2 DvE BvF B and D
Round 3 FvC EvA
Draw Table G - Event for 7 teams Teams sitting out
A, B, D, E and F
Round GvC - -
1 EvF G
BvG
Round AvB CvD C
2
Round DvE FvA
3
Draw Table H – Event for 8 teams
Round AvB CvD EvF GvH
DvG BvC
1
Round HvE FvA
2
13
Co-ordinating Teachers
Teachers’ briefing meeting
Every year feedback indicates that teachers new to the Competition can be quite daunted by the
task of preparing their team for the mock trials. You may decide to organise a briefing meeting for
teachers to ensure the Local Heat goes smoothly. The meeting would provide an opportunity to
deal with queries, exchange ideas, and resolve any other matters.
If you do not hold a meeting for teachers, please remember to confirm the following
details in writing.
Photography
For the purposes of the Competition, permission has been granted by the Ministry of Justice for
photographs to be taken inside courtrooms. However, please remind teachers that photography
during the trials may be off-putting for the participants. If members of the press are attending,
please notify the Citizenship Foundation, as we will need to ask teachers to seek parental
permission for photographs to be taken. Teachers will receive a registration form from the MCMT
Project Officer. Please make sure you have spare copies (the forms will be sent to you prior to the
local heats) and collect them when the schools arrive in the morning.
Guests and spectators
Confirm whether the team can bring guests, and if so, how many. Let the co-ordinating teachers
know if they need to supply a list of names beforehand for security reasons.
Parking “Try to establish
Confirm whether parking will be available at the courthouse and good relationships
whether co-ordinating teachers will need to provide car registration with participating
details in advance. teachers.”
Refreshments Local Organiser,
Please notify the co-ordinating teachers if refreshments are going to 2008/09
be available. The teams will need to know in advance if they should
bring their own food and drink.
Badges
Teams are expected to wear badges, (red when prosecuting and blue when defending) to make
them easily identifiable to the Judges. Please confirm with the co-ordinating teachers whether the
LOG will supply these or whether they should bring badges with them on the day of the heat. A
team will need 8 red badges when they are prosecuting, and 8 blue badges when they are
defending. It is also helpful for the Judges if the student magistrates’ badges are numbered 1, 2
and 3 in each colour.
Stop clocks
Lead Magistrates will need a stop clock to ensure that the time allocations are adhered to on the
order of procedure (page 15).
14
Order of Procedure
Time allocations must be strictly adhered to
Role Event (Spoken lines in bold type) Timing
BEGINNING OF TRIAL N/A
Usher
Everyone ‘Court rise’ 2 minutes
Usher Stands
Magistrates Leads magistrates into courtroom N/A
Enter the court, bow and sit. Lawyers and court staff 4 minutes
Everyone bow in return N/A
Legal Adviser Sits
Stands. ‘The prosecution is represented today by
Legal Adviser [names] and the defence by [names]’.
Defendant Gives the I.D slips to the Lead Magistrate
Legal Adviser Legal Adviser asks the defendant to stand
Defendant Stands
Legal Adviser ‘Are you …?’
Defendant ‘Yes’
Legal Adviser ‘Is your address …?’
Defendant ‘Yes’
Legal Adviser ‘Is your date of birth …?’
Defendant ‘Yes’
Legal Adviser ‘Are you represented by …?’
‘Yes’
Defendant ‘You are charged with …..’ (insert charge from Case
Legal Adviser Outline here). ‘Do you understand?’
Defendant ‘Yes’
Legal Adviser ‘How do you plead?’
‘Not guilty’
Lead Magistrate To the magistrates: ‘The defendant has consented
to a trial in a magistrates’ court. We are in a
1st Prosecution Lawyer position to proceed with the trial today. May the
1st Prosecution Lawyer defendant be seated?’
Usher Gives the defendant permission to sit down
1st Prosecution Witness CASE FOR THE PROSECUTION
Makes the opening speech
Calls the 1st prosecution witness
Leads the witness to the witness box. Asks them to
repeat this affirmation: ’I do solemnly, sincerely and
truly declare and affirm that the evidence I shall
give shall be the truth, the whole truth and
nothing but the truth’
Repeats affirmation
15
1st Prosecution Lawyer Examination in chief of 1st prosecution witness 4½ minutes
1st Defence Lawyer Cross examination of 1st prosecution witness 4½minutes
Usher Leads 1st prosecution witness back to his/her seat N/A
2nd Prosecution Lawyer Calls 2nd prosecution witness
Usher Leads 2nd prosecution witness to the witness box. Asks 4½ minutes
them to repeat this affirmation: ‘I do solemnly…’ (as 4½ minutes
2nd Prosecution Witness above) N/A
2nd Prosecution Lawyer 2 minutes
2nd Defence Lawyer Repeats affirmation N/A
Usher Examination in chief of 2nd prosecution witness
1st Prosecution Lawyer Cross examination of 2nd prosecution witness 4½ minutes
Legal Adviser Leads 2nd prosecution witness back to his/her seat 4½ minutes
2nd Prosecution Lawyer Asks legal adviser to read Section 9 statement N/A
Reads Section 9 statement
1st Defence Lawyer 4½ minutes
Usher ‘That is the case for the prosecution’ 4½ minutes
N/A
Defendant CASE FOR THE DEFENCE 4 minutes
1st Defence Lawyer
1st Prosecution Lawyer Calls the defendant 3 minutes
Usher N/A
2nd Defence Lawyer Leads defendant to the witness box. Asks them to 12 minutes
Usher repeat this affirmation: ‘I do solemnly…’ (as above) N/A
2nd Defence Witness Repeats affirmation 2 minutes
2nd Defence Lawyer Examination in chief of defendant
2nd Prosecution Lawyer Cross examination of defendant
Usher Leads defendant back to his/her seat
1st Defence Lawyer Calls 2nd defence witness
Leads 2nd defence witness to the witness box. Asks
Legal Adviser them to repeat this affirmation: ‘I do solemnly…’ (as
Usher above)
Everyone
Magistrates Repeats affirmation
Usher Examination in chief of 2nd defence witness
Everyone Cross examination of 2nd defence witness
Usher Leads 2nd defence witness back to his/her seat
Magistrates
Makes closing speech. ‘That is the case for the
Everyone defence’
Lead Magistrate
CONCLUSION OF THE TRIAL
Summary of the law for the magistrates
‘Court rise’
Stands
Retire to consider their verdict
‘Court rise’
Stands
Leads magistrates into courtroom
Enter the court. Bow to the court before sitting. Lawyers
and court staff bow in return
Sits except for the defendant
Tells the court the verdict and possible sentences that
might be given
16
Timetable for the day
9:15am - 9:45am Teams arrive
9:45am - 10:00am Welcome and housekeeping matters
10:00am - 11:15am Round 1
11:15am - 11:30am Break
11:30am - 12:45pm Round 2
12:45pm - 1:00pm Break while the scores are checked
1:00pm - 1:15pm Certificates to all participants and winning team announced
On Arrival
Local organisers collect the Registration forms from all participating schools.
Welcome and Housekeeping Matters
The Local Organiser should take this opportunity to welcome the participating schools and guests
and deal with any important information such as procedures in the case of an emergency. You
might want to invite a guest speaker to open and close the heat.
Before each trial
The Lead Magistrate will give a short briefing to the six student magistrates sitting with him/her on
the bench. Whilst this is taking place in the retiring room, the lawyers are filling in the ‘lawyers
identification slip’ to give to the Legal Adviser and preparing to begin.
It is important to prompt the student usher to settle the court and “Create a positive,
inform the magistrates when the court is ready. relaxed atmosphere
During each trial and encourage all
Lead Magistrates must monitor the timing of each student’s participants to enjoy
submission, and may find it helpful to use a stop clock which may themselves.”
be available from participating schools.
Local Organiser,
2008/09
After each trial
Lead Magistrates will deliver the verdict, sentencing information, general constructive criticism, as
well as praise, and invite questions. The Lead Magistrate should not offer his or her own opinion
as to the winning side. The judging sheets should be collected by the Court Steward from the
Judges and given to the Scorer, who should be sitting in a separate, quiet room.
At the end of the day
A large courtroom is a good place to congregate at the close of the Local Heat. Here is the chance
to thank those involved, hand out the certificates provided by the Citizenship Foundation to all
participants, and remind court reporters and artists to send in their entries. Please only
announce the winning team, rather than each school’s placing, or winners of each round as
students then leave feeling more positive about the day. If you are running a large heat, you may
wish to announce the runner up.
Important:
Please make sure all schools receive their judges’ feedback forms (pages 20 and 21)
before they leave the court house. Every year teachers request more detailed feedback
and the judges’ feedback forms have been introduced to address this issue. 17
Volunteer Roles on the Day
Introduction
The Volunteer’s Guides provide detailed descriptions of the roles of Court Stewards, Lead
Magistrates, Judges and Scorers. Please make sure you and all of your volunteers are very familiar
with all the contents. Judges and Lead Magistrates should be very familiar with the case and
witness statements. The Local Organiser must check that the rules are thoroughly understood and
that there will be uniformity in the marking. You must ensure the smooth running, timing and
organisation of the event and may also like to have one or two other people on hand to assist. It
may be helpful to provide volunteers with badges indicating their name and role.
Each courtroom should contain:
3 Judges
1 Lead Magistrate
1 Court Steward
1 Scorer
Court Steward:
Ensures that teams are in the courtrooms at the right time and know where to sit
Ensures that the trials begin on time and that court runs smoothly
Reminds the court that mobile phones must be switched off
Collects the judging sheets at the end of each trial and gives them to the scorer
Lead Magistrate:
Facilitator for the 6 student magistrates
Ensures that the order of procedure is followed (page 15)
Ensures that students follow the rules and guidelines for the Competition
The Lead Magistrate and the Court Steward are the only people (adult) who are
allowed to interrupt the trial.
Judges:
Mark students’ performances and must only sit in panels of 3 due to the structure of the
scoring system.
Should not confer with each other, nor should they make any interventions in the trial.
Once the trial is over, the Judges should add up their scores to check they have not awarded
both teams the same marks.
Judges should give their completed judging sheets (page 19) to the Court Steward.
After each trial judges should complete the feedback forms to give to schools at the end of the
heat (see pages 20 and 21).
There are a number of instances in which Judges can deduct marks. Please see page 6
in the Judges’ Guide for further details.
Scorer
Receives all the completed judging sheets (page 19) from the court stewards.
Follows the scoring system as set out on page 8 in the Scorer’s Guide to calculate which team
is the winner.
Gives the result to the Local Organiser/speaker to announce.
18
Important Notes Judging Sheet
• Do not award half-marks Judge’s Name Guilty Court No.
Prosecuting team (red badges) Not Guilty
• Make sure that the Total Marks Defending team (blue badges)
for each team are not the same Final Verdict (tick)
• Give your completed sheet to
the Court Steward as soon as
possible
• Don’t forget to award mark for
overall team performance
Stage in the Trial Time Prosecution Max Defence Max
(Red (Blue
Prosecution opening speech 4 10
Examination in chief of 1st pros. witness 4½ Badges) 10 Badges)
Cross examination of 1st pros. witness 4½
1st prosecution witness 10
Examination in chief of 2nd pros. witness 4½
Cross examination of 2nd pros. witness 4½ 10
2nd prosecution witness 10
Examination in chief of defendant 4½
Cross examination of defendant 4½ 10 10
Defendant
Examination in chief of 2nd def. witness 4½ 10 10
Cross examination of 2nd def. witness 4½
2nd defence witness 10 10
Defence closing speech 4 10
Legal Adviser (overall role) 2/2/3 10
Usher (overall role) 10
Magistrates (performance in retiring room) 12 10
Red Team 1
Red Team 2 10
Red Team 3
Blue Team 1 10
Blue Team 2
Blue Team 3 10
Team performance mark
10
Marks deducted: lack of attention to timing
10
Marks deducted: reliance on scripts
10
Marks deducted: introducing new evidence
10
Total Marks – to be completed by judge
Total Marks – checked by scorer 10 10
( (5) ( (5)
) )
( (5) ( (5)
) )
( (5) ( (5)
) )
120 120
120 120
19
Feedback Form – Prosecution Team
Name of School: ___________________________________________________________
Prosecution Lawyer 1
Things done well Things to improve on
Clear description of the case given in the opening Opening speech
Avoid asking leading questions
speech Do not use a script
Spoke loudly and clearly Speak loudly and clearly
Questions took account of what the witnesses said Avoid introducing new evidence
Avoided leading questions
Prosecution Lawyer 2
Things done well Things to improve on
Spoke loudly and clearly Avoid asking leading questions
Questions took account of what the witnesses said Do not use a script
Avoided leading questions Avoid introducing new evidence
Prosecution Witness 1 Things to improve on
Know your statement
Things done well Avoid memorising answers
Knew the witness statement well Do not introduce new evidence
Responded well to questions Speak loudly and clearly
Was convincing in character
Spoke loudly and clearly
Prosecution Witness 2 Things to improve on
Know your statement
Things done well Avoid memorising answers
Knew the witness statement well Do not introduce new evidence
Responded well to questions Speak loudly and clearly
Was convincing in character
Spoke loudly and clearly
Legal Adviser Things to improve on
Speak loudly and clearly
Things done well Summarise the case in your own words
Spoke loudly and clearly Follow the order of procedure carefully
Section 9 statement
Speech identified the main issues of the case in
your own words
Magistrates Things to improve on
Make sure you concentrate fully during the trial
Things done well Allow everyone to have a say during the discussion
Listened carefully during the trial Base your decision on what you hear in court
Contributed well to the discussion Always remain impartial
Based their decision on what they heard in court,
not knowledge of the statements
Understood the burden of proof
Additional Comments
Feedback Form – Defence Team
Name of School: ___________________________________________________________
Defence Lawyer 1
Things done well Things to improve on
Closing speech Closing speech
Spoke loudly and clearly Avoid asking leading questions
Questions took account of what the witnesses said Do not use a script
Avoided leading questions Speak loudly and clearly
Avoid introducing new evidence
Defence Lawyer 2
Things done well Things to improve on
Spoke loudly and clearly Avoid asking leading questions
Questions took account of what the witnesses said Do not use a script
Avoided leading questions Avoid introducing new evidence
Defendant Things to improve on
Know your statement
Things done well Avoid memorising answers
Knew the witness statement well Do not introduce new evidence
Responded well to questions Speak loudly and clearly
Was convincing in character
Spoke loudly and clearly
Defence Witness Things to improve on
Know your statement
Things done well Avoid memorising answers
Knew the witness statement well Do not introduce new evidence
Responded well to questions Speak loudly and clearly
Was convincing in character
Spoke loudly and clearly
Magistrates Things to improve on
Make sure you concentrate fully during the trial
Things done well Allow everyone to have a say during the discussion
Listened carefully during the trial Base your decision on what you hear in court
Contributed well to the discussion Always remain impartial
Based their decision on what they heard in
court, not knowledge of the statements
Understood the burden of proof
Usher Things to improve on
Speak loudly and clearly
Things done well Ensure you are familiar with the layout of the court
Spoke loudly and clearly Follow the order of procedure carefully
Was familiar with the order of procedure
Ensured proceedings ran smoothly
Additional Comments
Local Media
Newspapers
4-6 weeks before the event
Send the date and venue of the Local Heat to the Forward Planning Department or The Diary
of local newspapers, keeping a record of who has been contacted.
You may wish to adapt the sample press release on page 23, which also offers some
background information about the magistracy.
Limit the number of contacts for journalists – the information provided is then consistent and
monitored. If necessary, indicate when journalists may get in touch with the contacts.
1-2 weeks before the event
Follow up the press release with a telephone call, so journalists are reminded of the event.
Have at hand a short list of key messages about the aims of the event, and any interesting
extra facts about the schools or the court. They then also have the opportunity to ask any
further questions, or indicate at what time they may be attending the Local Heat.
At or just before the event
It is seldom a problem, but check that teachers, students and volunteers are willing to permit
press coverage.
If photos are taken on the day, teachers will need to seek parental permission before the heat. Please
contact the Citizenship Foundation if you will need to do this, at least two weeks before the heat.
Tips
Make sure someone at reception is aware of any press likely to attend. Consider where they
should sit to observe, when they should take photos and whether they should be
accompanied.
Journalists will be grateful for any information about covering the event. In the past some local
radio stations have attended the entire event, watching some of the mock trials, interviewing
those involved.
If a newspaper sponsors the Court Reporter Competition, or the entire Local Heat, it is a very
good way to guarantee coverage.
Radio and TV Interviews
Permission has been given by the Ministry of Justice to film or record a local heat. Please
contact the Project Officer if you need this confirmation in writing
If the local media are interested in the Competition and seek an interview, it is important that
any magistrate should first seek the agreement of their bench chairman and/ bench legal
manager. While the topic should focus on the Competition, a longer interview may provide
an opportunity to talk more generally about magistrates and their work in court. However
before embarking on the recruitment area, it is recommended that the local advisory
committee should be informed so that any pertinent local information could be included.
The interviewer should outline the interview format and give you the questions in advance.
Have the key facts and messages in front of you to avoid a mind block!
If you are unsure about any of the equipment used in the interview, do not hesitate to ask.
Speak at a natural pace and avoid long sentences.
Use everyday language, avoiding jargon. Your audience may not understand legal terms.
Involve your audience by occasionally posing your own questions.
Sound positive!
22
Magistrates’ Court /
Association Logo
Local Heat News Release: Date
For attention of: News desk and Picture Editors
(Location) pupils in court
Excited pupils from [number] schools in x [area] are preparing to take part in the local heat of the
Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition 2009/10 at [location] Magistrates’ Court on [date] 2010
[where [guest – if applicable] will present the certificates to the winning team].
Now in its 16th year the competition, organised by the Citizenship Foundation in partnership with
the Magistrates’ Association and local magistrates and court staff, aims to introduce young people
to the legal system in an innovative and inspiring way. This year’s case involves a possession of a
bladed instrument. Teams of 12-14 year olds take on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates
and court staff in a specially written criminal case, battling against other schools – as prosecution
and defence – with their performance judged by real magistrates and legal professionals. It is one
of the only active learning competitions to address the legal system.
[Local organiser / spokesperson] said “[Location] Magistrates’ Court is proud to be hosting a local
heat for the competition. [Location] magistrates really enjoy working with young people from local
schools, and have already visited a number of schools to conduct presentations about the
magistracy.”
Tony Breslin, Citizenship Foundation Chief Executive added, “Over 95% of criminals cases are
dealt with by magistrates, yet very few people know enough about their vital role. 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.”
Schools attending the event are:
[School]
[School]
[School]
A participating teacher stated, “This competition is unique in its ability to inspire the students and stretch
their abilities and imaginations.”
- Ends -
Press photographers welcome from: [time]
If you would like to attend and for further information, please contact:
[Name], Local Organiser on [telephone number]:
23
Notes for Editors
1. Each year the Magistrates' Court Mock Trial Competition involves approximately 370 schools
(4,500 students) across the country, from schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The
competition is now in its sixteenth successful year. It is nationally co-ordinated by the Citizenship
Foundation in partnership with the Magistrates’ Association. It is sponsored by the Ministry of
Justice and is supported by Her Majesty’s Courts Service (HMCS).
2. The Competition benefits young people by:
Providing students with a valuable insight into our criminal justice system;
Functioning as an important teaching resource for the Citizenship curriculum;
Offering the opportunity for students to meet and talk to legal professionals;
Giving students a chance to improve their public speaking skills and self-confidence.
For more information please see www.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk/mcmt
4. The Citizenship Foundation is an independent charity, which aims to empower individuals to
engage in the wider community through education about the law, democracy and society. (Charity
Reg. No. 801360) www.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk
5. Timetable
Xx - xx Schools arrive
xx - xx Welcome speech
xx - xx Round 1
xx - xx Break
xx - xx Round 2
xx - xx Certificates to all participants and winning school announced
6. Citizenship has been a compulsory part of the National Curriculum for Key Stages 3 and 4 (ages
12 – 16) since September 2002.
7. For further information please contact:
MCMT Project Officer Ann Flintham
Citizenship Foundation Communications Manager
63 Gee Street Magistrates’ Association
London EC1V 3RS 28 Fitzroy Square
London W1P 6DD
T 020 7566 4155 T 020 7387 2353
F 020 7566 4131 F 020 7383 4020
[email protected] [email protected]
24
Magistrates’ Court /
Association Logo
News Release: Date
For attention of: News desk and Picture Editors
Local school reaches Regional Final of Mock Trial Competition
Following an exciting Local Heat, students of [school] are preparing themselves for the next round
of the Magistrates' Court Mock Trial Competition. The Regional Final will take place at [location]
Magistrates’ Court on [date] 2010.
[School] faced stiff competition from [number] other schools in March’s Local Heat, at [location]
Magistrates’ Court. They now meet schools from [location, location], all eager to make it to the
National Final this summer at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, on Saturday 26th of June 2010.
[School] students have been practising their mock trial cases for some weeks now, taking on the
roles of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates, court staff, and the defendant. Local magistrates have
been helping them with their preparations.
[You may like to put in a quote from magistrates, students or other people involved in the
competition.]
– Ends –
Press photographers welcome from: [time]
If you would like to attend and for further information, please contact:
[Name], Local Organiser on [telephone number]:
(attach ‘Notes for Editors’ as on page 24)
25
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LOCAL ORGANISERS’ GUIDE - citizenshipfoundation.org.uk
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