Students present their case before judge at mock trial final
Students from two schools took part in the final of a mock trial competition held at the University of Bradford.
Bradford Grammar School and Ripon Grammar School sent teams of budding barristers to take part in the mock trial, heard before Judge Jonathan Rose, Honorary Recorder of Bradford.
Students from Bradford Grammar School prosecuted, while Ripon Grammar School defended during the theft trial.
Judge Jonathan Rose, Honorary Recorder of Bradford, heard the cases of both schools at the mock trial final. Images credit: University of Bradford
Judge Rose said: “I was hugely impressed by the performance of both schools in this final.
“The students have gone outside of 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.”
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.”
Tuiya Tembo, right, from the University of Bradford School of Law, played a witness during the trial. Images credit: University of Bradford
Details of the case
The mock trial case featured defendant Debbie Dickson-King, a human rights activist, who was accused of stealing a dog which she had taken in after it found its way to the lobby of her apartment, on 22 November 2024.
Ms Dickson-King, played by 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 on the following day by its rightful owner, Ms Jennifer played by Tuiya Tembo, Assistant Professor at the University’s School of Law, who subsequently reported the alleged theft at a police station, at the same time as one of the defendant’s neighbours.
The participating students took turns to call witnesses, who they cross-examined. The other trial witnesses were Ms Dickson-Wright’s neighbour, Rita Robinson [played by student ambassador Kaitlyn Winter] and Ms Dickson-King’s partner, Chris [student ambassador Daniyal Qazi].
Students from Ripon Grammar School who were crowned winners of the final. Images credit: University of Bradford
Which school won?
Ripon Grammar School were crowned winners of the final, decided by Judge Rose and representatives from the University of Bradford’s School of Law.
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.”
James Reeson, Teacher at Bradford Grammar School, said: “The students really enjoyed the experience. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them. I’m very proud of my students.”
The mock trial was held in the University’s Lady Hale Court, named after the Yorkshire-born former President of the Supreme Court, 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. Lady Brenda Hale was awarded an Honorary Degree from the University of Bradford in 2019.
Launched in 2020, the mock trial competition is an annual event at the University of Bradford. This year’s final took place on Friday 25 April and followed two earlier rounds, held online earlier in the academic year, which initially involved 12 schools from Yorkshire and the North West.
Two of the participating students were also invited to take part in an open day at Bradford Combined Court Centre, Drake Street, on Saturday 10 May, from 10:00 to 16:00.
The open day will feature activities including tours of the court building, mock trials and displays from organisations involved in the justice system.
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.