Children stage mock trial for Chief Justice

ASPIRING young advocates will get a chance to perform in front of Lord Chief Justice Taylor in the finals of the National Mock Trial Competition for schools this week.

Sixteen schools are taking part in the competition organised by the Citizenship Foundation at Southwark Crown Court on Saturday.

The competition, now in its fourth year, sees teams of 13 students playing the parts of barristers, witnesses, court clerks and jurors in courts presided over by real recorders and judges.

The final will be judged by Lord Chief Justice Taylor.

Attorney General Sir Nicholas Lyell QC, who drew up the running order for the finals, says: "To take part in the National Mock Trial Competition is an excellent way to learn how our system of criminal justice works. It is also enjoyable for all those who take part."