STUDENTS debated whether robot judges should replace their human counterparts during a canteen debate.

Two teams of Year 10 ppils from Heron Hall Academy, in Enfield, took part in hotly argued cases for and against the motion.

The audience included local councillors and teachers as well as art students, who sketched the scenes.

Judge Sterlini ruled that the team advocating the use of robot judges won the argument – even though he believes the human judiciary can never be replaced with artificial intelligence.

He also spoke about his life as a judge and answered questions from the students.

Judge Sterlini, who was appointed to his position by the Queen, in 2008, said: “Setting up extra-curricular events like this are an excellent way to stimulate thought provoking discussion, and to provide information and vistas about the world ‘out there’ that they might not otherwise come across in their day-to-day lives.

"It was really very interesting for me, and I applaud the efforts being made to allow the students to ‘aim high’.

Headteacher Matt Collins said: “It was a fantastic coup for us to get a serving judge. The canteen debates are one of a number of initiatives designed to help to boost aspiration and ambition among our students through a series of events with invited guests.”

Future debates include a panel of young entrepreneurs, a Royal Navy Admiral, and young people pursuing sporting careers.