Surrey’s Annual Mock Trials.

Last year, shortly before I was installed as High Sheriff, I was asked if I could attend the Surrey Mock Trials at Guildford Crown Court. It was such a fantastic event and I was therefore thrilled to be invited back with Suzanne this year.

It is run by volunteers from the Surrey Magistrates Association and also involves a number of people involved in the criminal justice system freely giving their time so that a number of Year 8 pupils can participate in a mock trial and see behind the scenes what happens in the courts.

There were six schools competing. They are given information about the trial in advance and they take in turns to act as prosecution and defence and play all the other roles in court before a team of judges. It all takes place in Court One of the Crown Court so it gives them a fully authentic experience.

When not enacting the trial, the teams get an opportunity to quiz a panel including a Crown Court Judge, a magistrate, a barrister, a crown prosecution service officer and a police detective. Afterwards they get to tour the holding cells and a prison van. There are also stalls manned by the High Sheriff Youth Awards, the Police Cadets and Fearless (past of Crimestoppers).

I get to present the High Sheriff Shield to the winning Surrey School, who this year was Christ’s College and I am pictured with them and the shield on the steps outside the courts.