A group of students from Colaiste Iognaid (The Jes ) proved they could be the legal minds of the future after scooping first place in the National Mock Trials competition last weekend, securing the team’s place in the world Mock Trials finals in New York next October.
Having finished first in the heats the previous weekend the team from The Jes were invited back to take part in the national final at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Saturday April 27. The team beat students from Holy Family in Newbridge in the semi-final and won the right to challenge previous competition winners Eureka, Kells, in the final which was adjudicated by Mr Justice Kevin Cross, Mr Justice Patrick McMahon, and Mr Justice Terrance O’Sullivan.
Winning the coin toss The Jes team elected to be the defence in the final, delivering an entertaining and informed defence of their client Rev Ted with brilliant performances from barristers and witnesses alike. Counsel Alex Burke caused a stir when he requested that the first charge of drink driving be struck out on the grounds of inadmissible evidence. The judges adjourned to consider the proposition and decided that a garda officer had not followed proper procedure on the day and as such the evidence was inadmissible. Kate Carr was particularly cool under pressure while playing Rev Ted. Her use of transubstantiation of the host as a defence for her intoxilyser reading was received with much mirth.
After deliberation the jury found in favour of the defence and the judges awarded the ultimate victory to The Jes team. For his outstanding performance and professionalism, Alex Burke, barrister for The Jes, was awarded the trophy for best barrister in the entire competition. This was the first time that Colaiste Iognaid entered the competition and the team were sponsored by RDJ Glynn solicitors. Legal mentor Caoimhe Clancy from RDJ Glynn solicitors and teacher Stephen Reilly prepared the students for the competition, guiding and praising their efforts at every step of the way.
