Michael Upton, one of the Stable's Deputy Directors, has been asked by the Faculty to act as a MiniTrials Co-ordinator together with Advocate Ronnie Bain.  Michael has now had a webpage added to the Faculty's website advertising the help offered by advocates with MiniTrials: http:/www.advocates.org.uk/minitrials.html

MiniTrials are an enjoyable way to learn about the Scottish legal system.  They are mock court cases which secondary and primary school pupils act out, using materials first devised in 2001 by the Hon. Lord Kinclaven, a judge of the Court of Session.  The materials are published on the MiniTrials website: http://www.minitrial.org.uk

A single class or school can put on a MiniTrial.

There are also inter-school events.  These take place regularly in real court-rooms at Airdrie, Ayr, Dundee, Edinburgh, Kilmarnock & Paisley through co-operation with the local Education Departments, Sheriffs, Sheriff Clerks, Procurators Fiscal, Solicitors and Advocates.  It is hoped to extend them to other areas.

The Faculty of Advocates helps schools to put on MiniTrials, by providing Advocates who volunteer to visit schools, offer guidance, and sometimes play the part of the Judge.

If you are a teacher, pupil or parent and would like to know more, or to arrange for an Advocate to visit your school to assist with a MiniTrial - or if you would be interested in helping to arrange or participate in an inter-school event - please contact either of the Faculty's MiniTrial Co-ordinators.

The Faculty's MiniTrial Co-ordinators are:-

Michael Upton - michael.upton@advocates.org.uk

Ronnie Bain - james.bain1@ntlworld.com