After winning in the 1st Round of the UKLSA National Moot Competition we had a successful 2nd Round moot (mock trial) against Manchester University’s Ella Coverley and Harry Bithell. Dr. Bruce Wardhaugh, Manchester University and Dr. Keith Puttick, Staffordshire University were the judges (shown in the pic with both teams, us on the left).
We represented the Crown Prosecution Service in the High Court in an appeal by Bill Farmer after he was convicted of driving his tractor while drunk. To see off the appeal, and persuade the court to uphold Bill’s conviction, we had to convince the judges that the fields in which he had been driving were a ‘road’ and a ‘public place’ under the Road Traffic legislation. After a tough battle the score-sheets showed equal marks for both teams! The judges’ were highly complimentary in their marking and feedback – particularly on UKLSA marking criteria of quality of presentations, argument, and legal research.
The University of Manchester were graceful hosts and we thank them for a truly great experience (and the cake!).
We are waiting to hear from UKLSA if we and Manchester will go through to the next round. Hopefully yes. Let’s see! Who knows, if we progress (and the force is still with us!) we could go on to win the competition?
Whatever happens next we had a great time and did well to draw with a team from one of the world’s top universities.
Jack Bizzell
Staffordshire University Law School