Barrister Training Course: Oral Skills Assessments Rex v Amy Ryder

Assessment Overview

Assessments Using Student Instructions 1

• Conference Skills

• Cross Examination

• Examination in Chief

Note:

• Student Instructions 1 will be used initially for the Conference Skills Assessment.

• If sitting Cross Examination or Examination in Chief, a second set of instructions (Student Instructions 2) will be released on the Hub at 18:00 (GMT) on 28th November 2025.

Fit to Sit Policy 

By sitting or submitting this assessment, you declare yourself “fit to sit.”

• You may not later submit an extenuating circumstances or appeal application unless exceptional.

• Applies to all students, including those with adjustments or learning support.

• Adjustments remove personal barriers, ensuring access to the assessment.

• Submitting the assessment confirms you are fit to sit.

Nature of the Conference Skills Assessment

• Represent the defendant, Amy Ryder, in criminal proceedings.

• Conduct a conference with your lay client (played by a professional actor).

• Date of conference: 25th November 2025, Islington Magistrates’ Court.

Conference Preparation Note (CPN)

• Typed in Arial, size 11, max 3 pages.

   

• Label convention:

• Submit via Turnitin by 10:00 (GMT) 21st November 2025.

• CPN will not be marked, but may be referred to in case of a fatal flaw.

Assessment Operations

• Conducted in person at a BPP centre or online via MS Teams.

• Time slot or invitation provided; if not received by 18th Nov 16:00, email: .

• Identification: student ID, passport, or original photographic ID required.

• Assessment duration: strictly 20 minutes (additional time may be granted per learning support arrangements).

Expectations

• Complete conference within the time; mark may be affected if unfinished.

• Assessor may refer to CPN if conference incomplete.

• Assessment recorded; recording stored securely.

• Materials allowed: bring own CPN copy if required.

• Client played by professional actor.

• No discussion with other students until all assessments complete.

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Dress Code

• Business attire: smart dark office wear.

• Men: black, dark grey, or navy suit with tie.

• Women: dark jacket with skirt or trousers.

• Religious clothing permitted if sober in colour.

Fatal Flaw

• A fatal flaw may cause failure even if overall marks are sufficient.

• Examples:

  • Grave error of law or procedure

  • Error in case analysis putting client at risk

  • Legal error putting barrister at risk of negligence

Academic Misconduct & AI Policy

• All materials confidential until assessments complete.

• Do not discuss or share assessment; breaches are unfair practice.

• Plagiarism or collusion will result in academic misconduct proceedings.

• AI use in this assessment is strictly prohibited unless explicitly allowed.

Case Details

Defendant: Amy Ryder (3 Feb 1985), Flat 2, 19 Grey Wall Avenue, Islington, London
Charge: Theft of Rolex watch, 26th September 2025
Complainant: Gordon Ryder, ex-husband, father of 14-year-old son
Defendant Background:

• Two previous convictions

• Employed as pharmacy assistant

• Divorced, one child (not living with her)

Bail Condition: Not to go within 50 metres of 17 Station Road, Islington

Alleged Theft Details

• Watch valued at £9,000, inherited by Gordon Ryder.

• Incident date: 26th September 2025

• Gordon Ryder claims: Amy took watch using her key while he was at work.

• Amy Ryder denies: Was at work and then at home, not at 17 Station Road that day.

Witness Statements

Gordon Ryder (Complainant)

• Saw Amy leaving his house around 18:00 wearing a yellow raincoat.

• Rolex watch gone from kitchen table; no signs of break-in.

• Amy has been a frequent visitor; was aware of her gambling issues.

Exhibits:

• GR/1: Watch valuation (£9,000)

• GR/2: Text messages from Amy about the watch

Police Statements

PC 7091 Adwin Danso

• Arrested Amy Ryder at Flat 2, 19 Grey Wall Avenue.

• Seized yellow raincoat (Exhibit AD/1).

PC 3252 Rachel Ditta

• Confirmed seizure of yellow raincoat.

DC 102 Anik Banerjee

• Interviewed Amy Ryder; she denied involvement.

• Interview summary: Exhibit AB/1

Defendant Statement

• Denies being at 17 Station Road on 26th September.

• At work in the afternoon; walked home, arrived ~17:15.

• Owns yellow raincoat but hadn’t worn it for months.

• Prepared statement read by solicitor: “I was not the person Gordon claims he saw leaving the house.”

Summary

• Assessment Task: Conduct a conference with Amy Ryder, advising on:

  • Evidence analysis

  • Plea options

  • Venue selection

  • Potential sentence if convicted

• Time Limit: 20 minutes

• Materials: Bring CPN and relevant case papers

• Key Objective: Take instructions, provide clear legal advice, manage conference efficiently

Assessment Requirements

Case: Rex v Amy Ryder
Date of Conference: 25th November 2025
Location: Islington Magistrates’ Court

Key Requirements:

1. Represent the Defendant – Amy Ryder, charged with theft of a Rolex watch.

2. Conduct a Conference – Hold a professional 20-minute meeting with the client (played by an actor).

3. Prepare a Conference Preparation Note (CPN) – Typed in Arial 11, maximum 3 pages; submitted via Turnitin by 21st November 2025.

4. Advise the Client On:

   • Evidence analysis

   • Plea options

   • Venue selection

   • Likely sentence if convicted

5. Follow Court Protocols:

   • Dress code: business attire

   • Identification ready

   • Manage time efficiently

6. Avoid Fatal Flaws:

   • Grave legal or procedural errors

   • Misadvice that could harm client

7. Maintain Academic and Professional Integrity:

   • No plagiarism or collusion

   • AI use prohibited

Academic Mentor Approach

Step 1: Understanding the Case

• Objective: Ensure the student fully comprehends the case facts.

• Action:

  • Review all case documents including witness statements, exhibits, and police reports.

  • Identify key allegations: theft of a Rolex watch, previous convictions, bail conditions.

• Outcome: Student understands the client’s position and potential vulnerabilities.

Step 2: Preparing the CPN

• Objective: Organize legal advice and key points for the conference.

• Action:

  • Summarize client facts, charge details, and witness evidence.

  • Outline possible pleas and mitigating factors.

  • Prepare notes on legal procedure, potential sentence, and venue advice.

• Outcome: A structured, concise, 3-page CPN ready for reference during the conference.

Step 3: Conducting the Conference

• Objective: Advise the client professionally, manage time efficiently.

• Action:

  • Begin with introductions and explain purpose of the conference.

  • Ask client questions to confirm facts (e.g., whereabouts, alibi).

  • Provide guidance on evidence assessment and legal implications.

  • Discuss plea options and potential consequences.

  • Advise on venue selection and court process.

• Outcome: Student demonstrates effective questioning, client guidance, and time management.

Step 4: Documentation & Submission

• Objective: Ensure all assessment protocols are met.

• Action:

  • Submit CPN via Turnitin by deadline.

  • Retain notes for reference during the oral assessment.

• Outcome: Compliance with academic submission rules, supporting assessment performance.

Step 5: Assessment Review and Learning Outcomes

• Objective: Reflect on skills demonstrated and learning achieved.

• Action:

  • Evaluate performance against the rubric: evidence analysis, client communication, legal advice, structure, and time management.

  • Identify areas of strength and improvement.

• Outcome: Student achieves learning objectives including:

  • Professional conference conduct

  • Critical analysis of evidence

  • Effective client communication and advice

  • Adherence to legal and academic standards

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