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Old Bailey Trip 2023
Law

Old Bailey Trip 2023


Stephanie Knowles
Stephanie Knowles
Old Bailey Trip 2023

Law in Action 2023

On Wednesday 22nd March year 13 law students explored ‘Legal London’.

After travelling from Stanmore to St Pauls, we arrived at the Old Bailey Law Courts. As you will know, most courts are open to the public (those over aged 14), who can sit and watch law in action from the public gallery. This is part of a centuries old tradition in the UK called ‘Open Justice’ and was summed up in Lord Hewart’s famous words of 1924, “Justice not only has to be done but be seen to be done”. However, before entry into this most famous court which hears high-profile and extremely serious cases, students all our belongings had to be stored in a local shop – that included mobile phones, smart watches, any food or drink (including gum!). Bags are not allowed in the court and before entry, everyone is searched.

When we all eventually got into the court, we travelled to the top floor to Court Number 10 to watch the trial of R v Miah, accused of the murder of an 18 year old. This was a highly charged, emotional case to watch.

Upon entry, the prosecution was asking questions of a witness who saw the build up to the fatal stabbing. This was followed by the defence’s cross examination which delved into further detail, clarifying exactly what was said and not said. This was followed by testimony given by a young mother who witnessed the stabbing itself.

Students were fascinated to watch the skill of questioning from lawyers, the active involvement of the judge and even enjoyed watching a juror being reprimanded for leaving his phone on during the proceedings. The incredibly young looking defendant was also of interest and how the evidence was being made accessible not only to the jury but also to him.

Needless to say, the public gallery in this trial was packed. The students await news of the final verdict.

After The Old Bailey, we walked to The Royal Courts of Justice in The Strand. These famous courts house our High Court but also our Court of Appeal. They are well worth a visit just to see the majesty of the interior of this famous building. Students were set the challenge of finding the famous statute of Lord Woolf, whose reforms to civil justice they all studied in year 12.

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