Phoebe Grigor photography                                  

The MiniTrials project, which was launched in 2002 by Lord Kinclaven, sees secondary school pupils taking part in mock criminal and civil trials. The events are supported by legal volunteers from the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, the Edinburgh Bar Association, the Crown Office and the Faculty of Advocates.

 

The Edinburgh Schools MiniTrials 2025 welcomed young people from eight local secondary schools taking part in mock assault and drugs trials, presided over by members of the Faculty of Advocates. Lord Mulholland, chair of the MiniTrials Steering Group, welcomed the S5 and S6 pupils to the event at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, saying 'The purpose of the MiniTrials initiative is to make the legal system more accessible and hopefully inspire pupils from all backgrounds to consider a career in law. The success of this project in Edinburgh is something we are keen to replicate in other towns and cities across the country.'

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