Citizenship Foundation: educating for effective citizenship

About the competition

Over 95% of criminal cases, more than one million every year, are dealt with by magistrates, yet many people know very little about their vital role.

The Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition aims to introduce the legal system to young people in an innovative and exciting way, giving them the opportunity to gain hands on experience. Now in its 18th successful year, the competition involves young people throughout England, Wales, and Northern Ireland; every year over 6,000 young people and 800 magistrates and other legal professionals are involved in the competition.

Magistrates' Court Mock Trial sample video >>

What is involved?

Students take on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates and court staff and prepare the prosecution and defence of specially written criminal cases. Teams compete against each other in a live format at Magistrates' Courts with their performances judged by Magistrates and other legal professionals.

Approximately 15 hours of team preparation is required, usually done over one-hour sessions. Depending on their roles, some students will need to spend more time preparing at home.

Who can enter?

Non-fee paying secondary schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Students must be in years 8 or 9 in England and Wales (years 9 and 10 in Northern Ireland). Each school enters a team of 12-13 students.

Fees

After submitting an application form, teachers are asked to please send in their entry fee by cheque to the Project Officer. In order to meet the rising costs in administering the competition and to further our work in legal education, from 2010 we are charging a non-refundable £95 entry fee for one team (£145 for two) to take part in the competition. Please note that only schools withdrawing before 2 December 2011 will be refunded for their entry fee if they can no longer participate. Please see the Terms and Conditions on the 'How to Enter' page for further details.

Court Reporter and Court Artist Competitions

Alongside the main competition each team can nominate up to two court reporters and up to two court artists who will attend the Local Heat. After watching one of the trials the students will have 14 days to submit their entries to the Citizenship Foundation.

Why enter?

Through active learning the competition provides a fun, exciting and innovative way of exploring the provisions for citizenship at Key Stage 3, by offering young people the opportunity to:

• Gain an understanding of the legal rights and responsibilities and the role and workings of the criminal justice system;
• Develop skills of research, analysis, discussion, public speaking, communication and teamwork.

What is the timescale?

After signing up in September/October, preparation materials will be sent out via email. In mid-November you will be notified where you will be participating and will be put in touch with a Local Organiser. The local heats will take place over the first half of March 2012, with the vast majority of heats taking place on Saturday 3 March, Saturday 10 March and Saturday 17 March, but some will be held during the week. Winning schools progress to the regional heats in May. There will be 13 regional heats taking place on either  Saturday 5 May or Saturday 12 May. The national final will be held on 16 June at Nottingham Magistrates' Court.

What help do we get?

There is no need for students or teachers to have studied any law before taking part in the competition. Schools will receive:

• a school's guide containing all the information teams will need to prepare for the competition, including information about the law and the criminal justice system
• a specially written case
• Student role guides and workshop resources for teachers
• a local contact will be available to try to arrange a court visit and/or a visit from a magistrate to your school (please note this is not guaranteed)
• dedicated classroom resources available from the password protected website for both teachers and students
• the MCMT Project Officer at the Citizenship Foundation is also happy to answer questions (contact details below). 

The volunteers

The Competition relies very heavily on the work and assistance of local magistrates and court clerks, other legal professionals and court staff. Not only do they open their courts for the mock trials but they also voluntarily contribute their time to organise Local Heats and assist schools with their preparations. Over the years we have gathered a core of volunteers who continue to help us in our work.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their ongoing support and dedication. 

New volunteers are always received with delight.  If you are interested in becoming involved in the competition, please do not hesitate to contact the Project Officer by phone on 020 7566 4155 or by email, mcmt@citizenshipfoundation.org.uk.