South Ayrshire Council News

Councillor Hywel is pictured with students to took part in this years MiniTrials.

More than one hundred students from South Ayrshire Council secondary schools gave up their free time on a Saturday to attend Ayr Sheriff Court to take part in the South Ayrshire MiniTrials 2007. 

MiniTrials are simulated court cases, conducted by secondary school students, who take part in reconstructions of criminal jury trials.  The scenarios for the MiniTrials were prepared by Scottish lawyers and based on what actually happens in a Scottish Sheriff Court.  

The secondary school students convened the courts, heard the evidence and returned their own verdicts, with the help of lawyers from the Faculty of Advocates, the Ayr Faculty of Solicitors and the Procurator Fiscal Service who gave up their time to take part in the day.  In undertaking the various roles within a courtroom setting, the students developed their communication and public speaking skills and gained an insight into law.

Councillor Hywel Davies, the Council’s Portfolio Carrier for Learning and Prosperity went to meet the participating students, he said:  “This is an excellent scheme which gives young people a chance to see how the legal system works. For some it could well be a stepping stone to a fruitful career and for others it will be a good grounding in an important part of Scotland’s constitution.”                                 

This is the third year that senior pupils from South Ayrshire secondary schools have participated in this innovative programme which is supported by Scottish Lawyers, The Faculty of Advocates, The Law Society of Scotland, the Society of Writers to Her Majesty’s Signet, and South Ayrshire Council.

Councillor Hywel Davies, South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio carrier for Learning and Prosperity is pictured with students from South Ayrshire Schools to took part in this years MiniTrials.