I predict a riot!

Well...

FT BVC got to be barristers for a case at Blackfriars Crown Court last weekend. Yes that is the weekend immediately after MCTS! Talk about planning!
Was I lucky enough to be the Sunday? NOPE!
Was I lucky enough to be Saturday Afternoon? Nope.
Sat 8.30am to meet my witness and a 9am start.
I was the prosecution. We had real trainee police officers. It was very interesting. We had real Barristers as judges and friends and family could be jurors. I was iffy adducing the evidence I needed but Prosecution is a nightmare. Lame excuse. I just didn't have time to prepare. I did well though.... apparently! I had a very generous barrister! We got feedback straight away.
My only gripe is a fair one. Most of us had to play a witness in another case. Mine was at 4pm-7pm and given my case ended at 12pm, I had 4 hours to kill. Which I did in a pub, where I watched Tottenham v Man U. Not all bad, I guess.

People didn't do the Crown Court thing I think they were doing OLPAS apps. Honestly although I messed up Cross Exam in my mock (I was fine in court?) I am not too disheartened.

Surprisingly given the timing, (I also had mock advocacy II and III on Monday) I survived the past week. I have been resting since.

Funny conversation at the Court...

Sarge: Are you the prosecution?
Me: Yes.
Sarge: This is PC X she has been training for 6 weeks. She is your witness.
Me: Oh right, hello.
PC X: Hello.
Sarge: It's okay, she is with the CPS, she is one of us!
Me: Um... yup.
(not for sodding long I ain't. Prosecution was not easy.)

So, I detect some animosity between the Police and Defence barristers.... We were ACTING!!

Well, COL done good, despite the timing! It was a fantastic experience. I was better than I am in class. Stop laughing in the back. Just remember I have no mooting/debating experience... yet.

Barb.

x