A Mock Trials Competition was held at Stratford Magistrates Court for Secondary School age group years 9 to 10. Schools from Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Barking/Dagenham Boroughs took part in the event. This is a national competition run by the Bar Association and the Magistrates Courts so that students gain an insight into the workings of the law, particularly the criminal justice system and to grasp what the law means in society. This is the 27th Year of the National competition. The participants gain skills in a variety of areas including effective team work, effective communications and forming arguments and negotiating techniques.  Two trials took place, with similar cases simultaneously, in two adjoining courts with the school teams taking on the various roles within the magistrates course. Also included was a tour of the courts, the adjoining cells and the transport vehicles taking the offenders to the court.

The local competition was supported by Rotary Clubs of Leytonstone and Woodford, Barkingside, Barking and Newham & Tower Hamlet School who gave a donation to the event and were invited to view the event.