Preparation

Each trial begins with thirty minutes of preparation. Both teams receive the same Case Overview: the background to the case, the witness statements and a description of each witness.

Teams use the time to write their speeches, prepare questions for their own witness and plan their approach. Electronic devices may be used during preparation and are switched off when the trial begins.

The four roles

Each team has four members, and each member takes one role.

I   Opening statement. Introduces the case and the issues the court must decide.

II   Direct examination. Questions the team’s own witness to draw out its evidence.

III   Cross-examination. Tests the reliability of the other side’s witness.

IV   Closing statement. Brings the evidence together and asks the court to find for the team.

Running order

3 minProsecution opening statement

3 minDefence opening statement

5 minWitness 1: examination by the prosecution

5 minWitness 1: cross-examination by the defence

5 minWitness 2: examination by the defence

5 minWitness 2: cross-examination by the prosecution

3 minProsecution closing statement

3 minDefence closing statement

A one-minute pause follows each stage so that teams can regroup. Time limits are strict.

Judging

Judges score each speaker against the IY-LAW judging scoresheet.

Every trial ends with two minutes of feedback from the judges, so that each team leaves knowing what to improve.

Teachers and judges may request the scoresheet from contact@iylaw.org.

At a competition

Each competition publishes its own schedule. Two-day competitions have opened with preliminary trials on the first day, followed on the second by knockout rounds for the leading teams, a final and an awards ceremony.

Upcoming competitions are listed under Events.