Pupils from Glasgow school take part in mock trial
A total of 26 pupils from Woodfarm High School, in Glasgow, and St Andrew's Academy, in Paisley, participated in the immersive session at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).
The session, held in the newly opened moot courtroom within the Paisley campus, was designed to give the youngsters a taste of what it's like to study law at university and practice it in real-world settings.
Read more: 'Do not be a hero': Armed robber raids Glasgow pharmacy for methadone and Valium
Professor Kasim Sheikh, dean of the School of Business and Creative Industries, commended the pupils' enthusiasm and potential.
He said: "It was inspiring to see such insight, courage, and promise from these pupils as they stepped into the courtroom.
"Events like this are about more than just learning how the legal system works; they're about helping young people see themselves in professional roles and giving them the confidence to take that next step."
During the event, pupils were given roles as prosecutors, defence lawyers, witnesses, and jurors, and brought their arguments to life in UWS's purpose-built courtroom facility.
The trial was overseen by a judicial bench of two: Isabella Ennis KC of the Faculty of Advocates, and Jeremy O'Neill, procurator fiscal depute, who jointly presided in the role of sheriffs during the proceedings.
Both legal professionals gave a career and legal pathways talk after the verdict, designed to offer pupils insight into routes into the profession and life in the courtroom.
The event also introduced pupils to UWS's new LLB (Hons) Scots Law degree.
Developed in consultation with the Law Society of Scotland, this programme offers a professionally accredited pathway to becoming a solicitor.
It is designed to provide students with both the academic foundations and hands-on courtroom experience required for a successful career in the legal profession.
(Image: Supplied)
Read more: Major new housing development in Glasgow district put on the market
Isabella Ennis KC said: "I was genuinely impressed by the level of preparation and passion these young people brought to the courtroom.
"From their structured legal arguments to their confident delivery, they demonstrated real potential.
"With this new moot courtroom and the new LLB in Scots Law, UWS has created a space that makes the study and practice of law accessible, inspiring, and inclusive."
Professor Sheikh added: "Through our new LLB in Scots Law launching in September and our investment in learning, UWS is opening doors and nurturing the legal professionals of tomorrow."
UWS has hosted annual mock court events since 2022, adapting and drawing inspiration from MiniTrial materials, with the generous support of the Faculty of Advocates.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
40 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Flames tear through Edinburgh flat as dozens of firefighters battle blaze
Terrifying footage shows a firefighter being elevated up to the third floor while battling the ferocious blaze which had engulfed a flat. Over 25 firefighters have battled a blaze which tore through a flat in Edinburgh late last night. Emergency crews, including police, the ambulance service and at least 25 firefighters, raced to the incident at a block of flats on Gunnet Court, Muirhouse. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service noted that they received the call shortly before 11pm last night (Thursday June 19) and mobilised five pump appliances and a height vehicle, reports Edinburgh Live. Horror images from the scene show a firefighter battling orange flames coming from a 3rd floor flat as black smoke can be seen billowing from the building. The height vehicle was used to extinguish the blaze as the firefighter could be seen spraying water into the flat while being elevated by the appliance while the whole apartment was engulfed in flames. The area, including Muirhouse View, was taped off by emergency services as several police cars could also be seen. It is understood residents were evacuated as a group of people could be seen standing behind a cordon watching on. Hero firefighters fought the fire for three hours before leaving the area at around 2am on Friday June 20. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We received reports of a fire at a flat on Gunnet Court, at Muirhouse View, at 22.50 hours on Thursday, June 20. We mobilised five appliances and a height vehicle. "The fire on a third floor flat was extinguished and the last appliances left the scene at 2am. Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service were also in attendance." It is currently not known if there were any casualties. The Scottish Ambulance Service was approached for comment. Yesterday, in a separate incident, we reported that a major Scots motorway was closed in both directions after a pickup truck went up in flames. Traffic was drawn to a halt on Thursday afternoon after the white vehicle combusted into a blaze on M90 near Kinross. Hero firefighters raced to the scene and both lanes of the busy road were closed while the inferno was extinguished. Shocking images from the scene show giant orange flames towering from the shell of the white vehicle as thick grey smoke billows into the air. It is unknown if there were any casualties but by around 1.45pm on June 19 the fire was put out and all lanes were reopened to traffic. A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they received a number of calls at around 12.45pm regarding a pick up truck on fire, on the M90 near Kinross. Two appliances attended the fire and all lanes were closed. They have now left the scene and carriageway is fully open. Police Scotland has also been approached for comment. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Glasgow Times
7 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Pupils from Glasgow school take part in mock trial
A total of 26 pupils from Woodfarm High School, in Glasgow, and St Andrew's Academy, in Paisley, participated in the immersive session at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). The session, held in the newly opened moot courtroom within the Paisley campus, was designed to give the youngsters a taste of what it's like to study law at university and practice it in real-world settings. Read more: 'Do not be a hero': Armed robber raids Glasgow pharmacy for methadone and Valium Professor Kasim Sheikh, dean of the School of Business and Creative Industries, commended the pupils' enthusiasm and potential. He said: "It was inspiring to see such insight, courage, and promise from these pupils as they stepped into the courtroom. "Events like this are about more than just learning how the legal system works; they're about helping young people see themselves in professional roles and giving them the confidence to take that next step." During the event, pupils were given roles as prosecutors, defence lawyers, witnesses, and jurors, and brought their arguments to life in UWS's purpose-built courtroom facility. The trial was overseen by a judicial bench of two: Isabella Ennis KC of the Faculty of Advocates, and Jeremy O'Neill, procurator fiscal depute, who jointly presided in the role of sheriffs during the proceedings. Both legal professionals gave a career and legal pathways talk after the verdict, designed to offer pupils insight into routes into the profession and life in the courtroom. The event also introduced pupils to UWS's new LLB (Hons) Scots Law degree. Developed in consultation with the Law Society of Scotland, this programme offers a professionally accredited pathway to becoming a solicitor. It is designed to provide students with both the academic foundations and hands-on courtroom experience required for a successful career in the legal profession. (Image: Supplied) Read more: Major new housing development in Glasgow district put on the market Isabella Ennis KC said: "I was genuinely impressed by the level of preparation and passion these young people brought to the courtroom. "From their structured legal arguments to their confident delivery, they demonstrated real potential. "With this new moot courtroom and the new LLB in Scots Law, UWS has created a space that makes the study and practice of law accessible, inspiring, and inclusive." Professor Sheikh added: "Through our new LLB in Scots Law launching in September and our investment in learning, UWS is opening doors and nurturing the legal professionals of tomorrow." UWS has hosted annual mock court events since 2022, adapting and drawing inspiration from MiniTrial materials, with the generous support of the Faculty of Advocates.
Glasgow Times
7 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
'Do not be a hero': Armed robber raids Glasgow pharmacy
Anthony Kinnon carried out an armed robbery at the Willis Pharmacy in Glasgow's Knightswood Shopping Centre on September 26 2023. The 62-year-old went behind the counter and told staff: "I am not going to hurt you. "Do not be a hero. Give me the methadone and the Valium." After then leaving the chemist, Kinnon was later traced having taken most of the pills he had been given during the raid. He recently pleaded guilty to a charge of assault and robbery at the High Court in Glasgow. Prosecutor David McDonald told the hearing how Kinnon already had a long criminal record including two convictions for similar offences. Kinnon's lawyer Allan MacLeod went on to give judge Lord Cubie further background about Kinnon. The defence advocate said: "He is man who has spent a total of 18 years of his life in jail - 13 years of that in solitary confinement. "He has been in every prison establishment in the country. READ NEXT: Former Catholic priest admits repeated abuse of boy more than 40 years ago READ NEXT: Serious organised crime unit cop sentenced for sexually assaulting colleagues on duty "He believes that if he is returned to jail, he will not leave." Regarding the robbery, Mr MacLeod said Kinnon had "not been thinking clearly at the time" and had wanted pills with a plan to take his own life. The court was told Kinnon had not intended to use the blade - but Lord Cubie commented staff would not have known that. Kinnon - who had latterly been staying at homeless accommodation in the city centre - had been on bail prior to the hearing. Mr MacLeod made a motion for him not to be locked up pending pre-sentencing reports being completed. He stated to the judge: "I am asking you to take a chance on him." But, Lord Cubie remanded him in custody as the case was adjourned until July 8 in Edinburgh.
