Tameside's magistrates are presently involved in a tour of borough primary and secondary schools. 

The project sees magistrates explaining their role in the community to youngsters and that their ‘job’ is in fact a voluntary one.

Local magistrate Sean Bostock explained that the presentations they give are about the history of the magistracy and the full role of the magistrate, but can also be tailored to the curriculum.

It also involves them providing lessons in exactly what happens when people end up on the wrong side of the law.

“It is quite light hearted for the children but it shows actions and consequences and what might happen if you carry out certain actions and what will happen depending on what the crime is,” he said.

The informative tour which includes quizzes to bring the information to life and engage children, will also culminate in a special competition this summer especially for Year 6 children.

In the competition youngsters will take on the roles of those in court, from magistrate, solicitors, witnesses to ushers to defendant, with schools being judged on their performances as they recreate a full mock trial.

The project has in fact been running for a number of years with the competition part of a nationally organised initiative.

Greater Manchester magistrate Rachel Medcalf, who is a presiding justice who also sits on the youth panel, explained that the competition will see each school team re-enact all elements of a mock trial.

“Magistrates will then work with the children at the end to decide the verdict before presenting the result,” she said.

She added that the children will all be evaluated by a team, with scoring on how well they present and interact and prizes ultimately given out for the best overall pupil performance and winning school, with all children participating receiving a certificate.

The competition will take place at the end of June with schools from all of Tameside’s towns being represented being pitched against schools from across the entire Greater Manchester region.

The magistrates’ work in the community is not only reserved for schools however, with the team also touring colleges, community groups and more to spread the word about the importance of their work.

“We do focus on work with young people as that is so important with regard to choices and consequences, but we do give talks to engage with all community groups as well.”

For more details and to get in touch about the project you can visit https://www.gmma-mic.net/ 

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