MORE than 150 Cumbrian schoolchildren took part in the 2012 Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition.
Groups from all across the county took on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates, court staff and a defendant at South Lakeland Magistrates’ Court in Kendal.
It allowed them to learn about all aspects of the criminal justice system.
The mock proceedings focused on a dispute with a local newsagent.
Organiser Christine Brown said: “The students are judged on numerous things and it doesn’t matter if they win the case or not, it’s how they present it.
“I think it’s the most wonderful competition for people of that age. It not only helps their confidence but they also find it really exciting. It may even inspire some to choose law as a career.”
Despite tough competition, Appleby team A and Cockermouth School were singled out as clear winners, and both teams will go on to compete in the regional heats in May.
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