Silence in Court: Year 13 visit St Albans Crown Court

Year 13 A Level law students have been visiting the Crown Court as part of their study of criminal law.

Over 30 students studying A Level Law took part in three trips to St Albans Crown Court this half term. Visits had been delayed first by Covid and then by the barristers’ strike so there was high excitement. As every day is different at the Court, each group saw different things and were able to report back to their peers.

There were many highlights: we saw a jury being sworn in, a trial with witnesses giving evidence, and sentencing hearings where defendants were sent to prison. We talked to barristers about their job in the Court, to the Police Liaison Officer and to two judges, HHJ Wigin and HHJ Wood. The students were given the opportunity to ask both judges questions about their career, which was a fascinating insight into their lives and their role in the criminal justice system. Year 13 came back with renewed enthusiasm for the study of criminal law and for their role plays in lessons learning about important legal cases.