No ordinary court

Following the Y6MTC in 2024, The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Dr Eamonn O’Neal DL wrote this article which was published in the winter 2024 edition of The High Sheriff magazine:

“This was no ordinary court. After a couple of defendants were found guilty and some were judged to be innocent, they all gathered with the witnesses, magistrates, barristers, and court officials to tuck into their packed lunches and discuss how the day had gone.

This was the annual Year 6 Mock Trial Competition organised by the Greater Manchester branch of the Magistrates’ Association (Magistrates i n the Community) and it was an incredibly special day. There were 150 students from 16 schools in attendance, populating two virtual court rooms, running in parallel. The theme was knife crime. The young people had been provided with a detailed script in advance, had designated roles, which they had rehearsed, and on the day, they acted out the scenarios ‘in court’ with impressive aplomb. The event was overseen by sitting magistrates and there was significant support from partner organisations including Crimestoppers, Greater Manchester Police, BTP Travel Safe and Salford Fire and Rescue Service.

I was struck by just how much effort these 10 and 11-year-olds had put into the competition, and it was clear how impactful it had been. I think a career with the judicial service beckons for many of them.”