Budding RGS barristers triumph in mock trial final

A TEAM of budding young Ripon Grammar School barristers triumphed in the courtroom after winning their case in a prestigious mock trial final.

RGS's lower sixth form law society members beat off stiff competition from 11 other schools from Yorkshire and the North West in the earlier rounds of the University of Bradford competition.

In the final, RGS students acted for the defence in the case of a human rights activist accused of stealing a dog, heard before a real judge in the Lady Hale Court.

Students from Bradford Grammar School, arguing the case for the prosecution, made for a tough opposition in the riveting theft trial, where all the students wore caps and gowns to make the experience as authentic as possible.

Judge Jonathan Rose, Honorary Recorder of Bradford, said: “I was hugely impressed by the performance of both schools in this final.

"The students have gone outside their comfort zone. They have learned about teamwork and about winning and not winning, and even if you don’t win you can still go onto great success.”

The mock trial case featured defendant Debbie Dickson-King, a human rights activist, accused of stealing a dog she took in after it found its way to the lobby of her apartment.

Ms Dickson-King, played by University of Bradford student ambassador Mamtaz Begum, was charged with stealing the dog, which she re-named Daisy but was originally called Bella, with the intention of permanently depriving its owner of it contrary to the Theft Act 1968.

The court heard Ms Dickson-King was spotted walking the dog the following day by its rightful owner, Ms Jennifer played by Tuiya Tembo, assistant professor at the University’s School of Law.

RGS students, who did all their own research, learning about the legal process and systems while discussing tactics, often late into the night, took turns to call witnesses, who they cross-examined.

Their client was acquitted and they were crowned winners following deliberations by Judge Rose and representatives from the University of Bradford’s School of Law.

One of the students, 17-year-old Aria Writer, from Ripon, explained how they were given two weeks to prepare for the case over the Easter holidays, which added pressure as some of the team were travelling or away.

"We found a weird mix of time and a slightly unorthodox compromise to arrange our case in time. I did all the preliminary research in advance and formulated a briefing document that covered the introductory arguments and possible areas for emphasis in our case, which could later be read and presented, so the time that myself and our other barrister, Leora Zucker, had together could be used to formally create the final lines of argument and remain focused on the final details."

By the day of the trial, they'd spent many hours practising the questions back and forth: "We just had to put it into practice and do our best in the courtroom, where we spent two hours arguing our case," said Aria. "It was definitely a tense, challenging and nerve-wracking experience, but, in the end, I think that we can all agree that it was incredibly worthwhile. I've enjoyed it and these experiences have definitely confirmed for me that law is something I'd like to pursue."

Aria was also invited to speak and take part in an open day at Bradford Combined Court Centre, featuring activities including tours of the court building, mock trials and displays from organisations involved in the justice system.

"It involves a presentation of a mock case recreation, which should be amazing. It will be very anxiety-inducing I think, especially as I'm still working on my public speaking, but should be so beneficial in offering a real insight into a career in law," she said.

Throughout the various rounds, every member of the team had a chance to play both barrister and solicitor: “Everyone had to work and contribute behind the scenes before they could present,” explained Aria.

Bob Walker, Head of Careers at Ripon Grammar School, said: “The students have been fantastic. They had just two weeks to put it all together. It brings a tear to my eye.”

He praised the students for thinking on their feet under pressure: “Whether they decide to go into law or not, this is something they can put on their personal statements and CVs which really makes them stand out.”

Professor Engobo Emeseh, Head of the University of Bradford's School of Law, said: “I was really impressed with what the students were able to achieve.

“Hopefully it has encouraged them to study law, but the wider skills they have demonstrated through this process will be beneficial to them in whatever future careers they choose to do.”

Launched in 2020, the mock trial competition is an annual event at the University of Bradford.

Lady Hale Court, named after the Yorkshire-born former President of the Supreme Court Lady Brenda Hale, who was the first woman to be appointed to the Law Commission, the first woman Lord of Appeal in Ordinary and the first woman president of the Supreme Court.

Professor Emeseh will be participating in Student Pre-University Court Exposure (SPRUCE), a course held in Bradford in June, which provides students who have completed Year 12 with insights into studying and careers in law.

Students on the course will hear from barristers, solicitors, legal executives in areas such as Criminal, Civil and Family Law, and appear in a real court, before a real judge, to try prosecuting or defending someone facing sentence for a criminal offence.

The RGS legal team: Aria Writer, Leora Zucker, Alexa Turner, Ava Turner, Evy Reed, Charlotte Nicol, Florence Jarvis, Chola Malama, Zara Ali