Our Criminal Defence Partner, Keith Middleton, is seen presenting the Morling’s Cup to the Captain of St Augustine Academy, whom won the Morling’s Cup for the winner of the Mock Trial Competition held at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on 23 March 2019.
The winning team receive a replica of the trophy to retain. Mock trials are held each year throughout the country with regional heats held before the national final takes place in June. Year 8 and 9 students act out the parts of prosecution and defence lawyers, witnesses, magistrates and other staff at the court. Each school taking part in the mock trial is provided with a realistic criminal case so that they can prepare fully before the mock trial begins in earnest. The judging panel is made up of local criminal defence solicitors, court clerks, probation officers and magistrates form the judging panel. The students put in a great deal of work before the mock trial begins and by the conclusion of the mock trial event they have gained a good knowledge of how the criminal justice system works, the legal rights of the individuals and the responsibilities of the participants.
In presenting the Morling’s Cup to St Augustine Academy, a new name on the cup, Keith Middleton said, “I am impressed with the enthusiasm, commitment and ability of all the teams who took part in this inspiring competition”.
