Overview
The Mock Trial Competitions are our longest-running active citizenship experiences. Since 1991, we have provided unparalleled exposure to the judicial system, its venues and access to senior legal professionals.
Some of you may have already brought a team to one of our Mock Trial Competitions and know how transformative the experience can be for young people. Some of you may have a legal background and are looking for a way to engage young people in the law. Some of you may have no legal knowledge at all but are curious about the law and want to bring it to your classroom. Whatever brings you here, we hope this free classroom pack acts as a springboard for criminal legal education throughout classrooms (virtual or otherwise) across the country.
What’s in the pack?
The pack moves through three ‘phases’:
1. Session One: Courts, Roles and Procedure – Introduces young people to the differences between the Crown Court and the magistrates’ court, the roles of legal bodies and professionals within a courtroom.
2. Session Two: The Case – Students have a go at analysing a case, resources including full witness statements and annotations to support their learning. All students will take on the role of either the prosecution or defence.
3. Session Three: The Mock Trial – The last session culminates in students rehearsing and conducting a mock trial in your classroom.
The classroom pack is designed to be flexible and adaptable. Some activities can be done independently and others are teacher-led. This pack is intended for your whole class. The pack can be used for students in KS3 upwards.
Suggested next steps:
- View the full competition timeline to see when to apply.
- Read the Rules to see what is involved in the competition.
- Explore our FAQ pages to find out more.
More Lessons resources
An Introduction to Discrimination Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson looks at the history of anti-discrimination law, the different types of discrimination (i.e. direct and indirect discrimination) and how the law deals with discrimination. It can be delivered…
What is Philanthropy?
In this lesson pupils will learn about the meaning of the word philanthropy through looking at real life examples. They will consider why philanthropy is important and what motivates philanthropists.…
More Politics and Democracy resources
Brexit: Part 1 – Referendum
Pupils will be given a brief introduction to the European Union. They will learn about why people’s opinions about the EU are divided and the results of the EU referendum.…
What is a Political Party?
This resource pack is the fourth of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...
Migration of People
To help you engage your students in the topic of migration Young Citizens have developed a flexible teaching resource...
More Understanding Rules & The Law resources
What Happens When Rules are Broken?
Pupils consider what happens when rules are broken. They explore what consequences are, how we can ensure that consequences are fair and what information someone might need to have before…
Law Makers (SmartLaw Subscription)
In this lesson students examine what the rule of law is and why we need it. They consider how and why laws are made in the UK and what the…
Learning About the Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson gives students an introduction to the legal system in the UK. During the lesson students will examine the roles of the various professionals involved in the law and…
More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources
How Does the Budget Impact Me and Others?
The resource consists of two activities. The first is a notation task based on the information provided about the...
Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition 2025/26: Preparation Resources (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
School Guide – This guide contains all of the information to support the lead teacher and support teachers in preparing for the competition. Student Guides – Each student guide contains an…
Law in Wales
Did you know that the age of criminal responsibility in Wales is ten? In Scotland it is 12. In...
More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources
Bar Mock Trial Competition – Support Videos
Preparing for the Bar Mock Trial Competition? Watch these video explainers, demonstrations and expert tips on key aspects of criminal trials. To access this content, register for our Bar Mock…
Filter Bubbles: Tell Me What I Want To Hear
A “filter bubble” describes how algorithms limit and skew the information users see on the internet. In this lesson,...
Climate Action: Using the Law to Drive Change
In 2021, COP26 was hosted in Glasgow. It was seen as a pivotal moment in tackling the global climate...
More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources
The Government and the Economy
By the end of the lesson students will: Understand key economic terms including taxation, welfare benefits, public spending and...
Who’s Really Paying for COVID?
Young people are, and will continue to be, some of the most impacted by COVID. However their voices have...
Bar Mock Trial Competition – Support Videos
Preparing for the Bar Mock Trial Competition? Watch these video explainers, demonstrations and expert tips on key aspects of criminal trials.