Over 95% of criminal cases, more than one million every year, are dealt with by magistrates, yet many people know very little about their vital role. The Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition aims to introduce the legal system to young people in an innovative and exciting way, giving them the opportunity to gain hands on experience. Now in its fifteenth successful year, the competition involves young people throughout England, Wales, and Northern Ireland; every year over 4,500 young people and 800 magistrates and other legal professionals are involved in the competition.