Today I took my students to Crown Court, which is very close to campus. Crown Court is a criminal trial court with a jury. One can request a jury trial in Crown Court even if their case is first before a magistrate. They risk a harsher sentence by going before the Crown Court. But most cases that go before Crown Court were originally scheduled to be there. One of the court administrators first gave us a overview of the courtroom, i.e. who sits where, etc. We then split up and went to different courtrooms to observe some of the proceedings. My group heard testimony in a robbery case and were able to observe the similarities and differences in the way trials are conducted. We will hear from the other group on Friday when we discuss our observations in class on Friday. Cameras are not allowed in the courthouse, so no pics. I'll try to take one of the front of the building. One other interesting fact is that the lawyers and judges wear black robes and white wigs to remain true to tradition. Also all courtroom workers wear some form of black robes. It presents a very formal atmosphere along with conveying a sense of authority.
Revision: Here's a pic of the outside of Crown Court.
Tomorrow will be busy. We will be heading to Stonehenge and Bath for the day.
Bye for now!
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