News In Focus
24 October 2008
Youngsters to debate the Paisley snail case in court
School students from across East Renfrewshire will turn back the clock when they stage a “re-enactment” of one of the most momentous legal cases of the 20th century at Paisley Sheriff Court on Saturday (25 October).
The case of the Paisley Snail provided a landmark by establishing the principles of the law of negligence.
Young people from Barrhead, St Luke’s, Eastwood, Mearns Castle, St Ninian’s, Woodfarm, Williamwood and Clarkston High Schools, and Belmont House School are to take part in a series of mini trials organised by the Faculgty of Advocates.
Pupils will play the roles of prosecution and defence lawyers, court staff, witnesses and jurors under the watchful eye of real-life clerks of court, advocates, procurators fiscal, and local solicitors.
During their day in court the pupils will run their own simplified Sheriff Court criminal jury trials using an information pack compiled by the Faculty and with the help of the professional volunteers.
The Paisley Snail Case took place in 1928. May Donoghue was in the Wellmeadow Cafe, Paisley, when a friend bought her a bottle of Stevenson’s ginger beer. She had drank some of the beer but, when the remains of the bottle were poured, out popped what appeared to be a decomposing snail. Mrs Donoghue sued the manufacturer David Stevenson.
The case of Donoghue v Stevenson ultimately went to the House of Lords where it was decided in favour of Mrs Donoghue and the legal principle relating to the law of negligence – in this case that of Mr Stevenson – were established.
Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, Richard Keen QC said: "The MiniTrial initiative is an excellent way to help young people appreciate the value of Scotland's unique legal system and to discover, in an enjoyable way, how it works in practice."