This interactive course involves preparation for and participation in a mock Criminal trial in the Magistrates’ Court.
You will undertake various advocacy roles and will be given guidance and feedback throughout from the trainer.
It will prepare you to conduct your trials with confidence and professionalism.
Audience
This course is suitable for both new and aspiring entrants to the profession looking to conduct court work. It stands alone, but also builds on the learning acquired from the preliminary course, Finding Your Feet in the Magistrates’ Court.
It is also suitable for trainee solicitors who have completed the Advocacy & Communication Skills module of the Professional Skills Course with intentions of practising in the field of Criminal law, including advocacy in the Magistrates’ Court.
Learning Outcomes
You will learn how to properly conduct a Magistrates’ Court hearing and improve your confidence and ability.
Live Online – 3 December 2025
- Advocacy Basic
You will be sent a case study in advance to acquaint yourself with the facts in readiness for the course. You will be assigned various roles to perform that may include a combination of speeches, evidence in chief, cross-examination, making submissions or applications. You will be tasked to prepare fully for the trial just as you would in practice.
Initial guidance is given by the trainer on the various aspects of a Magistrates’ court trial. You then prepare within teams, with guidance from the trainer, in readiness to perform your roles during the mock trial.
At appropriate stages, individual constructive feedback from the trainer is given to allow you to reflect upon your performance and build upon it, throughout the trial.
- Preparation of Trial Strategy Plans;
- Opening the Case – Prosecution and Defence Duties;
- Questioning of Witnesses;
- Presentation of Evidence;
- Legal Submissions and Responses;
- Admissibility of Evidence Arguments;
- Incisive Cross-Examination;
- Protecting Your Witness;
- Trial Tactics; and
- Closing Speeches.
Completion of the PSC advocacy module to provide the basics of conducting a trial in the Magistrates’ Court.
Beneficial to have been involved in the requisite area of law.
Pre-Course Work
Reading the case study in advance will enable you to contribute and work in teams in preparation to take part in the mock trial.
Extracts of legal provisions and guidance on legal submissions/applications are included.
You will also have been given guidance on a pre-trial strategy plan.
Post-Course Work
Discussion at the end of the day, including analysis of the outcome, will help you to reflect on the skills needed to conduct a summary trial and the help derived from your trial strategy plan. You will be able to review your original plan in light of lessons learnt from the course.
Subsequent reflection on skills learnt and how they can be applied in practice.
| A1 | Act honestly and with integrity, in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements and the SRA Handbook and Code of Conduct; |
| A2 | Maintain the level of competence and legal knowledge needed to practise effectively, taking into account changes in their role and/or practice context and developments in the law; |
| A4 | Draw on a sufficient detailed knowledge and understanding of their field(s) of work and role in order to practise effectively; |
| A5 | Apply understanding, critical thinking and analysis to solve problems; |
| B1 | Obtain relevant facts; |
| B2 | Undertake legal research; |
| B3 | Develop and advise on relevant options, strategies and solutions; |
| B5 | Undertake effective spoken and written advocacy; |
| B6 | Negotiate solutions to clients’ issues; |
| B7 | Plan, manage and progress legal cases and transactions; |
| C1 | Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing; |
| C3 | Establish and maintain effective and professional relations with other people. |