Psychology, Criminology & Law students from Stratford-upon-Avon College got a first-hand look at the justice system when they visited Warwickshire Justice Centre in Leamington recently and learnt all about Warwick Crown Court.
The College’s first year students visited in small groups and got a tour of the court rooms by the court ushers before being met by his Honour Judge Lockhart who spoke to them about his career, routes within the legal system and what the courts do.
The students then sat in the public gallery and saw a jury being sworn in a witness being cross-examined, a defendant being questioned by both the prosecution and defence barrister and even saw a murder trial where an expert witness gave evidence.
Student Niamh Owens really enjoyed the experience. She comments: “It was really interesting speaking to the judge and learning all the aspects of the court process.” Finlay Masell-Shelton added: “I thought it was very intriguing -it was a great insight into the process of the court system. I want to go into the Police so learning about the Law in this way is really useful.”
Psychology, Criminology & Law lecturer, Sharon Gerrard-Pickering, detailed why this experience was so beneficial for students: “It was an excellent opportunity for students to see how the court operates in real-life. It fits not only with law, but with the module ‘From Crime Scene to Courtroom’ on the Criminology course.”
