Loreto’s two teams had to research and prepare a number of debates in order to compete against students from other Manchester schools. The first debate was on the reintroduction of the death penalty and the second focussed on banning animal testing. Both teams performed extremely well against strong competition from other schools. Loreto B Team were selected to go through to the final.

 

The final debate centred on the issue that parents should be punished when their children offend: the Loreto team had to oppose this motion. Their study of the English Legal System, in which they examine and evaluate the aims of sentencing, linked helpfully in to the debate!

 

Matthew Foulds, Lucy Moran, Mark Nangle and Wayne Ramwell delivered a compelling argument and won the debate. Mark also won a trophy for “Best overall speaker” for his performance during the day. Mark gave a passionate and enthusiastic speech outlining the many and complex reasons why parents should not be punished when their children commit crime.

 

“I am extremely proud of our eloquent Law students. They were able to outline complex legal arguments and they refuted the other team’s objections confidently and with good grace. With such verbal dexterity I am certain that our students have a very bright future in the legal profession,” said Head of Law at Loreto, Ms. Standing.