The staging of a mock trial as a classroom activity is a centrepiece of the P.A.L. module as it gives the students a real insight into how the law works. Such trials have a usual duration of 60/70 minutes.
The P.A.L. tutor acts as the trial judge. He/she also furnishes pupils with the necessary case materials and explains and prepares pupils to partake in the trial as Barristers, Solicitors, Jurors, Witnesses, Court Staff, etc. A detailed marking sheet is used to score the trial.
The best student advocate and witness will be announced immediately upon the completion of the trial. This advocacy training should prove to be very useful preparation if you decide to enter your class in the national mock trial competition.
