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Legal lessons for schoolchildren in mock trial

Law Society President Michelle Ní Longáin (pictured) told the schoolchildren performing a Street Law mock trial, DPP v Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Presidents’ Hall this week (26 October) that she hoped to see them back in the same venue in future years receiving their parchments as newly qualified solicitors.

President Ní Longáin echoed the words of a High Court judge at last week’s parchment ceremony, who urged new solicitors to enjoy their lives and careers.

Last week, Justice Emily Egan told the new solicitors that she had enjoyed every day of her practice thus far.

Jack and the Beanstalk

The schoolchildren visiting Blackhall Place gave a spirited performance of the play in the form of a mock trial.

Jack and the Beanstalk examines a charge of manslaughter, after a rigorous four weeks of in-school rehearsals, with the children tutored in legal precepts by Mary Ann McDermott (Practice Regulation Administrator at the Law Society).

Sixth-class children from a local primary school, St Francis Xavier’s, participated enthusiastically in the performance, with solicitor Simon Treanor acting as judge.

'Amazing opportunity'

Mary Ann McDermott acted as co-ordinator of the performance.

She said that both parents and children had enjoyed the Street Law classes, and learnt much about the law from their participation.

School principal Adrienne Darby said that this was an “amazing opportunity” for primary-school children.

She warmly thanked the Law Society for hosting the performance, and for bringing the Street Law initiative to the Dublin school.