Wycombe Abbey’s Mock Trial
17 October 2024 - Academic
The third Wycombe Abbey mock trial took place at the beginning of the month in Fisher Library. Lara (UVI), Deputy Head Girl, was found Not Guilty by a margin of 34-16 for stealing 14 musical instruments and selling them to local criminals. Ana (UVI) and Tasha (UVI), representing the Prosecution, presented evidence, including an eyewitness account of Lara fleeing the Performing Arts Centre with a guitar and some statistics showing Lara as the only viable culprit. However, Freya (UVI) and Alicia (UVI), representing the Defence, de-bunked the statistical evidence and showed how Lara had an alibi: she was at a polo club with her new friend Percival, a young man of smouldering good looks and effortless charm.
A special mention for some method acting goes to Miss Strange, who played a Detective Inspector; Sr Fuentes who played Julio, an eccentric tarot card reader and psychic; and to Alice (LVI), who played a local troublemaker named Bella ‘the Brute’ Dempsey. Congratulations to all who took part!
A mock trial allows pupils to develop their critical thinking skills and identify weaknesses and gaps in witness accounts. During the trial, pupils need to be flexible and show agility in responding appropriately to new or unexpected information. It also allows the girls to develop their public speaking skills and enjoy themselves outside of a classroom setting.
Mr Edward FitzGerald
Teacher of History
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