A group of aspiring lawyers from Barking and Dagenham College took part in a mock murder case to develop their arguing skills.

Some of the 12 students acted as the prosecution and some acted as the defence lawyers in the realistic murder trial which also included a judge.

The fake trials called ‘Moots’ are commonly used to give would-be lawyers practice developing an argument however they are usually used by law undergraduates rather the college students.

The students, who are on an Access to Law course, were presented with a hypothetical murder case and then they went through the entire process of doing a hearing and making submissions to the judges (who were ‘Moot champions’ from London South Bank University).

They followed court etiquette to enhance the real-life experience of giving a submission in court.

Nadia Ali, the student’s tutor who is a qualified barrister and BBC radio presenter, said: “I did not take part in moots until I was studying to be a barrister, so this is a really special and valuable experience for our students. It gives them a feel for what it will be like at university.”

Elise Ernestine Del Rosario, 21, from Barking Riverside, who took part in the Moots, said: “Taking part in simulated court proceedings was such an incredible experience. It has given me perspective, because there can be two convincing sides to the same fact. Nadia has been so motivating and supportive and has been a role model for us to perform to our highest ability, and I cannot thank her and the college for giving me such an opportunity!”