Law students go to court

WARRINGTON law students have been given the opportunity to transfer the skills they learned in the classroom to a courtroom environment.
Eight students from Priestley College got together with police officers and community support officers at Stockton Heath Police Station for a *mooting competition.
They took on the roles of advocates and argued fictitious legal cases in front of a judge, in this instance, Priestley law tutor Christian Oliver.
The students were then marked on their court presentations by serving magistrates based on the quality of their pleadings and the responses given to questioning by their peers and the judge.
The big day in court came on the back of an extensive period of planning and research by the students who had to make notes of precedent cases that supported their arguments.
After the dust had settled, the duo of Chris Boxall and Simon Nolan were judged winners, while Amber Houghton was also praised for her contribution during an enjoyable event, which looks set to become an annual fixture.
PSCO Stephen Blake said: “The mooting event was an inspirational and engaging piece of community involvement. The ability to give sixth form students access to a courtroom environment is unique and provided a really slick feel to the proceedings.
Mr Oliver added: “To be given access to the courtroom at Stockton Heath Police Station was a big thrill for our students who grabbed the opportunity with both hands. All members of the group did really well, when faced with some pressurised situations and the quality of their research really paid off, when it came to arguing controversial aspects of the Law.”
*Mooting: A hypothetical case argued by law students as an exercise.
Pictured (top): Law students in the dock; (below): Chris Boxall (centre right) Simon Nolan (centre left) with Amber Houghton (far left) and PCSO Stephen Blake.