NSFC Enrichment
Bar Mock Trial
This enrichment will provide an opportunity for students to investigate two contemporary legal issues, develop and form arguments and present a compelling legal argument. Students will build key oracy and research skills focused on the legal profession. Expert lecturers will deliver aspects of their research within a contemporary, and often controversial legal issue.
What will you cover in this enrichment
Week 1
Introduction to the legal issue: a 35 – 40-minute discussion by a Senior Lecturer specialising in the issue (where possible). Gain an insight into a contemporary legal issue which is at the forefront of society.
Week 2
Advocacy Session: learn the art of questioning by a barrister – how are witnesses handled by barristers of both sides? How can cross examination be used to undermine creditability and put forward a case.
Week 3
Time to debate: Using the knowledge of the contemporary issue and the skills developed forming arguments, each group will face off against another to put their best arguments forward.
Week 4
Students will focus on a second contemporary legal issue, this time rather than using traditional debate structures, students will be given a case study based on a contentious point of law and will undertake legal research to argue either as a prosecution or defence barrister.
Week 5
Time to prepare and form arguments: Students will be taught explicit legal research skills such as how to read a legal judgement, to synthesise key information to form an argument. Students will have time to put this together with their team.
Week 6
Time to debate: Students will present their legal arguments in front of a panel of ‘judges’.
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