TY Mock Trials 2016: Preparation

Orla Thompson

I am a witness (Briefni Breathnach) in the Mock Trial case. My role as a witness is to testify at court about the events that occurred on the day in question. Preparation for this includes learning my script off by heart and this, therefore, gives an air of professionalism on the day in question. I have to be ready for any questions that make me seem guilty and to make sure I can be sure the jury will prove me innocent. I look forward to going to trial on Saturday 16th April. 

The Busy Barristers

As part of the Transition Year mock trial auditions, there have been central roles assigned to barristers. These are students who present the case in court and who either take the side of the defence or the prosecution. 
This year, the barristers are Amelie Bates, Mahnoor Choudhry, Maria Louise Fufezan and Orla Thompson. They are working on either prosecuting or defending the witnesses of their cases. 
This years' cases are the Pat Parker and the Jackie O' Faolain cases. The Pat Parker case refers to a referee/ P.E. teacher who allegedly assaulted Chris Connor, a student and player in the match on the day in question. Therefore, the barristers must speak to the witnesses of both the defence and the prosecution and portray Pat Parker as either guilty or innocent, depending on their side.
In the Jackie O' Faolain case, the barristers must either defend or prosecute the accused, with the initial statement being that Jackie O' Faolain assaulted Breifni Breathnach during a conflict that resulted from a road incident.
At the moment, the barristers are working closely with the witnesses, in order to make sure that;

 i) questions for the witnesses are strengthened 

ii) that the witnesses' statements are strengthened. 

Also, the barristers have to prepare opening and closing speeches for the defence and the prosecution. In these 3 minute speeches, they try to outline their strongest points in the hope to persuade the jury members and the judge to believe their side of the stories. 
The solicitors are also very helpful in undertaking research for the barristers and in advising them and their witnesses.

This years' TY mock trial team guided by Mr. Daly is hopeful that Loreto Balbriggan can get a high position in the competition that will take place on Saturday, 16th of April in the Four Courts in Dublin, if not even get through to the finals that may result in travelling to America for the international stage later this year.