Gordon’s took part in the Young Citizens Magistrates Mock Trials Competition. This was a competition where we had to study a fake case and then take it to court. We made our case on both the Prosecution and the Defence sides.

Every Monday during P7, we all studied about the different roles and procedures in a magistrates court. We were preparing speeches; studying the cases and even had a real magistrate come in and share his experience once. Everyone put in a lot of time and effort. Our team consisted of me, Niamh, Kimberley, Aamna, Lucio, Raymond, Ace, Rickzin and Zoravar from Year 8 and Victoria and Albert from Year 9.

On the 21st of March (over three months after the club begun), we arrived. First, we defended with Kimberley and Rickzin as our witnesses; Ace and Albert as defence lawyers; Zoravar as usher and Niamh; Raymond and I as magistrates. As our first time in court, not knowing exactly what to do, I think we did very well. Our witnesses beautifully answered the precise questions from the lawyers and we ended up winning that case.

Then, we prosecuted with Victoria and Zoravar as our witnesses; Aamna and Lucio as lawyers; I was legal advisor and Niamh, Raymond and Ace as magistrates. With the same level of focus, we performed just as well on this case yet unfortunately lost since this case was fairly difficult to prove absolute guilt.

Proceeding our two cases after lunch, we were toured around the cells where prisoners are kept before their case. We were shown the procedure when prisoners are in a threatening position and when an officer would pin them against a wall with a shield. Raymond and Lucio even got handcuffed and locked in a cell!

The cells were very echoey so it was hard to imagine how loud it could be when it were all full with people yelling, which the manager said they do.

Finally, we were given the opportunity to ask a group of real lawyers, magistrates, crown court judges and police officers any questions we had. I asked about whether they thought we had human bias in our final verdicts because I find psychology interesting, and whether Artificial Intelligence could ever take the role of a judge, but they didn’t think it ever could. Kimberley shared her interest about forensic science and the police officer gave her an email to find out more. Lucio also asked some interesting questions.

In the end, we didn’t win the competition, but it was a great experience and a lot of fun.

Thank you so much to Mr Charles-Jones for organising it.

• Jess, Y8 student