QPHS magazine - Spring Term 2026 - Magazine - Page 18
ORDER IN THE COURT
Magistrates9 Mock Trial
As part of our after-school extracurricular programme, 13 students
from Years 8 and 9 have been
working closely with Mr Bell and
Mrs Ward to run their own
Magistrates9 Court.
His expert advice and insider
knowledge gave our students a
valuable glimpse into the world of
real-life courtroom proceedings
and helped them refine their roles
ahead of the competition.
Since September, they9ve been
attending after-school sessions
each week, to build their
confidence and prepare for their
big day in court.
On Saturday 7th March, the team
were up bright and early, suited
and booted, as they travelled to
Sefton Magistrates9 Court to take
part in the Smart Law Magistrates9
Mock Trial competition. Going
head-to-head with four schools
from across Liverpool, our
students stepped into an authentic
courtroom setting, an exciting but
understandably nerve-wracking
experience! It proved to be a
brilliant opportunity to develop their
public-speaking, teamwork, and
critical-thinking skills in a truly
professional environment.
To help sharpen their skills, we
welcomed former magistrate Stuart
Clarke on 3rd March for a mock
trial masterclass.
Being a lawyer for the
day made me realise
how much confidence
I9ve gained. I9d
definitely do it again
next year.
Year 9 student
This year9s case, The King vs Kim
Hanley, centred on a stolen mobile
phone taken by a hooded cyclist.
With the defendant pleading not
guilty, the pressure was on as our
students took on key courtroom
roles including: usher, Legal
Advisor, Magistrate, witnesses,
and both prosecution and defence
lawyers.
