Saturday, October 12, 2019
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Scottish Jury Research
How about a response on behalf of some MiniTrial participants?
They are well placed to comment - from a position of independence, knowledge and understanding. A modern studies project perhaps.
See: https://www.gov.scot/news/scottish-jury-research/
Some may say - don't forget to read the written judge's directions contained in the jury manual.
Click Here - for details
Would the current directions benefit from some revisal?
They are well placed to comment - from a position of independence, knowledge and understanding. A modern studies project perhaps.
See: https://www.gov.scot/news/scottish-jury-research/
Some may say - don't forget to read the written judge's directions contained in the jury manual.
Click Here - for details
Would the current directions benefit from some revisal?
Monday, September 02, 2019
The Scottish Sentencing Council
There are new educational materials from the Scottish Sentencing Council.
Click here
Click here
Sunday, June 09, 2019
The Clark Foundation for Legal Education
The Clark Foundation for Legal Education has a new website.
To go to it - click HERE for further details.
To go to it - click HERE for further details.
Friday, March 22, 2019
Monday, December 24, 2018
Photos from Edinburgh 2018
Our Edinburgh MiniTrials took place on 8th December 2018. Here are a selection of photos from the day. It looks like all participants had a great time. Anyone can get involved. If you would like a school to participate or would like more information, please get in touch.
 |
 |
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Feeding ambition
Last week I had the pleasure of participating in the Edinburgh MiniTrials, held at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. Many lawyers and court staff were involved. Along with three other members of the Faculty of Advocates, I played the role of a sheriff and watched as pupils from various Edinburgh high schools took over the courtroom.
As a member of the Bar it's always fun to get a taster of sitting in the judge's chair. I sat on the Bench with my script, nervously hoping I don't fluff the lines up. Sitting there I realised it's actually hard being a judge - the varying judges I have come into contact with over the course of my career always make it look so easy.
My nervousness made me appreciate that I won't be the only nervous one in the courtroom. I have to say though, I was astounded by the level of talent that was displayed by the pupils taking part. From excellent examination in chief to well thought out jury speeches, it was clear that the pupils participating had put a lot of hard work in and indeed will be an asset to whichever path they choose in the future.
Seeing this level of enthusiasm and talent was really eye opening for me and made giving up my Saturday well worth it. For the Scottish legal system to continually strengthen, as practicing lawyers, it's important that we help the younger generation develop. Giving these pupils a small taster of what it's like to be a lawyer could help inspire them into a career in law (or put them off...) and even if they choose a different career path, at least they will have had this opportunity to boost their confidence in public speaking. Working hand in hand with schools, we can help feed ambitions of pupils. MiniTrials is the perfect project for doing just that.
Safeena Rashid Advocate
As a member of the Bar it's always fun to get a taster of sitting in the judge's chair. I sat on the Bench with my script, nervously hoping I don't fluff the lines up. Sitting there I realised it's actually hard being a judge - the varying judges I have come into contact with over the course of my career always make it look so easy.
My nervousness made me appreciate that I won't be the only nervous one in the courtroom. I have to say though, I was astounded by the level of talent that was displayed by the pupils taking part. From excellent examination in chief to well thought out jury speeches, it was clear that the pupils participating had put a lot of hard work in and indeed will be an asset to whichever path they choose in the future.
Seeing this level of enthusiasm and talent was really eye opening for me and made giving up my Saturday well worth it. For the Scottish legal system to continually strengthen, as practicing lawyers, it's important that we help the younger generation develop. Giving these pupils a small taster of what it's like to be a lawyer could help inspire them into a career in law (or put them off...) and even if they choose a different career path, at least they will have had this opportunity to boost their confidence in public speaking. Working hand in hand with schools, we can help feed ambitions of pupils. MiniTrials is the perfect project for doing just that.
Safeena Rashid Advocate
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Scottish Sentencing Council
For the new “Principles and purposes of sentencing - Sentencing Guideline” (effective from 26 November 2018) and other educational materials go to the Scottish Sentencing Council website using the link on the sidebar.
Or just click HERE
Or just click HERE
Sunday, November 25, 2018
The Paisley Snail
Question: who created the Paisley Snail painting that is featured in the header to the main web-site?
Answer: it was David Michie OBE, RSA, PSSA, FRSA, RGI a Scottish artist of international standing.
David was so taken by the story of Donoghue v Stevenson 1932 SC (HL) 31 that he felt constrained to pay homage to the case in this delightful orginal piece of work.
For further details of the case - go to the Scottish Council of Law Reporting website HERE
For those who wish to try a CIVIL jury trial - the Donoghue v Stevenson MiniTrial is HERE
Answer: it was David Michie OBE, RSA, PSSA, FRSA, RGI a Scottish artist of international standing.
David was so taken by the story of Donoghue v Stevenson 1932 SC (HL) 31 that he felt constrained to pay homage to the case in this delightful orginal piece of work.
For further details of the case - go to the Scottish Council of Law Reporting website HERE
For those who wish to try a CIVIL jury trial - the Donoghue v Stevenson MiniTrial is HERE
The Edinburgh MiniTrials 2018
The 16th consecutive annual Edinburgh MiniTrials took place in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Saturday 8 December 2018. A great day. Well done everyone.
The schools taking part were:
- Trinity Academy
- The Royal High School
- Forrester High School
- Balerno High School
- James Gillespie's High School
- St Augustine's RCHS
- St Thomas of Aquins RCHS, and
- Gracemount High School
Thanks to Phoebe Grigor for all the photographs
The Edinburgh Sentencing materials are HERE
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)