Thirteen pupils will be hoping the law is on their side when they take part in the national finals of a mock trial competition.

Sixth formers from Colchester County High School for Girls won their place at the Old Bailey in November. They will now compete against 15 teams.

If they make it to the last round, they face judgment from the Lord Chief Justice Lord Woolf.

Tomorrow's final is the culmination of a contest that started with 200 schools, supported by 200 barristers and 70 judges.

Entrants took on the roles of lawyers, witnesses and court staff in specially-written cases in crown courts across the UK.

Published Friday, March 15, 2002