Schoolkids given lesson at Ayr Sheriff Court

Oct 10 2008 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

SCHOOLKIDS acted out their very own courtroom drama with a little help from the professionals.

The youngsters from eight secondary schools were given an eye-opening lesson on the day to day running of Ayr Sheriff Court and the Scottish legal system.

They played the roles of prosecution and defence lawyers, frontline court staff, witnesses and jurors as part of the mock trials.

Pupils from Kyle Academy, Carrick Academy, Queen Margaret Academy, Girvan Academy, Ayr Academy, Belmont Academy, Marr College and Prestwick Academy descended on the courtrooms to participate in the Faculty of Advocates' mini trials initiative.

During the day-long event, the pupils took part in two trials each.

Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, Richard Keen QC said: “The mini trial initiative is an excellent way to help young people appreciate the value of Scotland's unique legal system and to discover, in an enjoyable way, how it works in practice.”