On Saturday 22nd March, law students and drama students took to the stage at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre to perform ‘A Question of Intent’. Four law students were selected from the Law of Evidence Module at Kent Law School to recreate their end of year assessment before a live 250 strong audience. The witnesses were played by other students (from Drama, Law and English).
The jury were selected from the audience and the Judge was real (His Honour Judge Julian Smith, senior judge from Maidstone Crown Court)! The scene was set.
Unlike other mock trials regularly undertaken at Kent Law School as part of an extensive lawyering skills programme, this mock trial had an edge. Following the jury’s verdict, the student witnesses recreated what ‘really happened’. Two women were accused of attempted murder. But did they have the intent to carry it out?
Written by Honorary Professor Bernard Richmond KC, this spectacular was previously performed with the Amanda Redman Theatre School at Middle Temple. This was the first time it was performed outside of London. There were gasps and surprises. But of course, we cannot tell you what really happened……..as you never know where it might next be performed!
Georgina Ransley De Moura, Interim Vice Chancellor at the University of Kent, who was in the audience, said, ‘What a fabulous show. It was gripping and insightful and the conclusions of the jury caused an audience ‘oooo’, as did the replay of what happened! It was lovely to meet writer and creator, Bernard Richmond. Well done to all involved, especially the students’.
We asked a couple of the law students involved for their thoughts on the experience …
Penelope Curd, a final year Law LLB student, explains that ‘I got involved in the ‘Question of intent’ performance as I chose the mock trial alternative assessment for the Law of Evidence module, and I was picked from that to be in the theatre production. This role included preparing an opening speech, to explain to the jury and the audience what this case is about. And I had to prepare questions to ask my witnesses in order to tell their story. I would have to try to apprehend what their answers may be, however as it was live theatre this was not always the case and meant that for some of it I had to think of questions on the spot.
Phoebe Rockett, a third-year undergraduate law student, adds that her role was ‘one of the prosecution barristers prosecuting co-defendants on two counts; Attempted Murder and Wounding with intent to cause GBH. I examined the police officer, cross-examined the defendants, and delivered the closing speech.
Prior to the performance, we had the opportunity to develop our speeches with Honorary Professor Bernard Richmond KC, whose fantastic input helped create a gripping and theatrical performance.
This experience was invaluable for multiple reasons. The feedback from those involved allowed us to not only develop our speeches but understand how to present in the best way for an audience, skills I will carry into my future career. Additionally, performing in front of 200 people enhanced my confidence significantly.
Not only did I get a lot out of this experience, but overall, it was fun to be a part of, exciting and a unique opportunity that I would recommend to any aspiring barrister.
As an aspiring criminal barrister myself, I was extremely passionate about performing this and felt I was in my element when presenting. Learning from legal professionals and being in an environment with others who are committed to achieving their goals was invaluable, and I will carry all advice and feedback onto my next stage at bar school.’
Darren Weir, module convenor of the Law of Evidence and Director of Lawyering Skills said, ‘It is great to see the law come to life in this way. The students did Kent immensely proud. The audience appeared to be gripped from beginning to end and there was a real buzz in the auditorium.’
