Public Services students take part in Battle of the Barristers

Our Public Services students attended an event ‘Battle of the Barristers’ run by the Evolve3 CIC.

The event allowed students to assess a real-life crime and examine the evidence gathered by law enforcement, to prepare an argument as the prosecution team and defence counsel. This allowed students to debate and persuade, which are two skills that are highly valued across many different career paths.

“I thought the students did very well following the rules of debating. Both the prosecution team and defence counsel presented their case expertly, but on this occasion, the prosecution won. It was nice to see young people enjoy the event as much as me.”

The Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr James Michael Stowe played the role of the judge and students took part in lots of psychological exploration and reams of forensic explanation before concluding a conviction in the Council Chambers.

Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr James Michael Stowe, said: “I thought the students did very well following the rules of debating. Both the prosecution team and defence counsel presented their case expertly, but on this occasion, the prosecution won. It was nice to see young people enjoy the event as much as me.”

​Diane Hall, Director at Evolve3 CIC and organiser of ‘Battle of the Barristers’, added: “Evolve3 CIC fully enjoyed delivering our ‘Battle of the Barristers’ event to Barnsley College students and felt that the setting of the Council Chambers really enhanced the activity.

“The students successfully read all the evidence and presented their respective defence and prosecution arguments effectively, which boosted their confidence and showcased their skills in deduction and comprehension. The event appeared to have even inspired more than one budding lawyer during the process!”