The mock trial competition took place on Saturday 28 November and Saturday 5 December, hosted by the Citizenship Foundation in partnership with the Bar Council of Northern Ireland.

It was won by Dalriada School and Banbridge Academy pupils in their respective heats.

The competition gives Northern Ireland youngsters an early experience of operating in the courtroom.

It sees the student teams split into prosecution and defence while being judged by senior members of the Bar and serving judges.

Gerald McAlinden QC, chairman of the Bar Council, said: “The Bar Council is delighted to support the 24th Bar National Mock Trial Competition and each year, our members look forward to welcoming the students to the High Court.

“We are dedicated to providing young people with an exciting and novel insight into the workings the Northern Ireland legal system.

“They learn more about their legal rights and responsibilities through the process and I want to publicly acknowledge the barristers and judges who volunteer their time each year to work with these young people in bringing the legal system to life. ”

He added: “Again congratulations to all the pupils who took part.”