Mock trials held in schools for criminal justice lessons

The rollout follows a pilot in Derbyshire and is aimed at raising awareness about trials and the experiences of defendants, victims and witnesses.

The lessons feature mock trials with pupils taking on courtroom roles such as jurors and the judge.

The lessons are part of the national citizen curriculum and will be rolled out in at least three schools in each of the CPS's 42 areas.

Director of public prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, said: "This programme has been successfully delivered in a number of schools across Derbyshire. It has proven to be a great way of ensuring that young people better understand how our criminal justice system works and it is clear that the students have really enjoyed the role-playing aspect."

To coincide with the launch of the lessons the CPS has set up an education website called Champions of Justice.