TPDIST runs Drug Fighting Elite Scheme
Tai Po District's (TPDIST) Junior Police Call (JPC) members have taken part in a Legal System Workshop and two mock court trial sessions under the District's "Drug Fighting Elite Scheme". The workshop was held at the HKTA Tang Hin Memorial School in Sheung Shui, with volunteer barristers from the local chapter of the Rotary Club International introducing the legal system and key court procedures in Hong Kong.
To give students a feel of reality, the mock court sessions were conducted at the High Court by Magistrate, Mr Daniel Tang, and barrister, Ms Judy Ma. In each session, one case was dealt with and the participating schools were divided into four teams to act as prosecution and defence under the guidance of barristers. The two cases dealt with were related to "trafficking in dangerous drugs", based on the simulation exercise held in the activity, "Arresting the Culprits", conducted in November last year.
With the support of the legal professional volunteers and the efforts of students, the two mock court sessions were very successful. One of the "prosecution witnesses" from Wong Shiu Chi Secondary School painted a very creditable picture during the examination-in-chief and remained unfretted by the defence during cross-examination.
The "prosecutor" from HKTA Tang Hin Memorial Secondary School also did a brilliant job with quick wit and logic, refuting the lies of the "suspects", whilst the "defence" highlighted the loopholes in the "prosecution witnesses" statements and raised "reasonable doubts".
Finally, the "Best Prosecutor" title went to Chan Nga-ki of HKTA Tang Hin Memorial Secondary School and the "Best Prosecution Team Member" title to Lee Ho-leung of Wong Shiu Chi Secondary School. Law Chi-wai of HK & KLN KFWA Sun Fong Chung College and Yuen Hau-yu of Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School captured the title of "Best Defence Lawyer".
Presenting certificates of attendance to the students, TPDIST Commander Paul Stripp commented: "This scheme has effectively conveyed anti-drug and anti-crime messages to students. It is also a very valuable opportunity for the students to broaden their horizons and, at the same time, enhance their understanding of Hong Kong's legal system and the roles of the police."
Praising the students for their efforts and performances, Mr Tang said: "I'm surprised by the students' excellent performances. If I were at their age, I would not be able to deliver such convincing and logical arguments in front of over 70 people like them. It's a very good chance for the students to explore their potential and recognise the serious consequences of taking drugs."
Students
learn
how to identify dangerous drugs