PRIMARY pupils across the Stroud area are currently taking part in a Magistrates’ Court mock trial competition.

The Magistrates’ Association has been organising the event for primary schools in the Stroud area since 2000, and almost all schools in the district have taken part at one time or another.

The competition introduces the legal system to young people in an innovative and exciting way.

Taking on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates and court staff, students prosecute and defend specially written criminal cases.

The case heard this year is that of R v Darcy Grainger who is charged with theft of an iPad mini.

Teams compete against each other in a staged Magistrates’ courts at Ebley House in front of real magistrates.

The standard is extremely high and last year Eastcombe Primary School took first place winning the Malcolm Reynolds JP Shield.

The final round of the competition takes place, tomorrow, Thursday and then a winner will be announced.

There are also individual prizes awarded for the best court reporter and the best court artist, which is sponsored by Stroud MP Neil Carmichael.

JP Jenny West said: “We are also very fortunate to be supported by the Stroud Police.”