A group of 30 year 8 boys visited the Royal Courts of Justice on an education programme run by the National Justice Museum. It has been a very popular visit for the past 3 years and this year was no exception. Simply sitting in the Great Hall watching judges and barristers and clients walking by and seeing the magnificent building, paintings and statues around us created a real feel for the justice system in this country. Being taken into an actual courtroom, smaller than most imagined, was an experience in itself. We had a fascinating talk and discussion on the role of criminal and civil courts and the role of the Royal Court of Justice and the Supreme Courts with some really interesting references to actual cases and decisions.
The mock trial that followed on ‘Cyberbullying’ was based on an actual case from 2009. All of the boys had a role which included the judge, court officials, barristers, solicitors, witnesses and jurors. It was clear they had prepared well from their papers and it was a hugely impressive performance all round.
The boys came away buzzing about the law, court life, trials and all the new things they learned about the justice system in this country. It is likely at least a few of them will be inspired to go into law in the future!
