Bradford Crown Court

As part of our Level 3 Criminology course, Year 13 Criminology students had the incredible opportunity to visit Bradford Crown Court for a firsthand experience of the criminal justice system in action. The highlight of our visit was an exclusive private session in Court 4 with the Judge himself. Sitting in the seats of the prosecution and defence, we gained a deeper understanding of how the court operates, seeing the intricate legal processes unfold right before us.

The Judge shared fascinating insights into his career, offering an honest perspective on the challenges of working in an underfunded and backlogged system. He then invited us to ask our own questions, giving us a rare chance to hear directly from someone at the heart of the legal world. After our private session, we were free to observe live court proceedings, choosing from a variety of hearings, including plea hearings, pre-trial matters, and trials. Seeing real cases unfold was both eye-opening and thought-provoking. Our Criminology studies proved invaluable in helping us follow complex legal arguments and procedures. Many of the cases sparked engaging discussions back in the classroom, where we debated the evidence, we had heard and tried to predict jury verdicts. As the day progressed, we returned to Court 4 to witness pre-trial hearings. Here, we saw the Judge in action, ensuring that the prosecution and defence adhered to schedules, disclosed evidence correctly, and prepared their witnesses. This was an especially fascinating moment, as we later had the privilege of discussing these decisions directly with the Judge himself.

This trip was not only a huge success but also an inspiring experience for our students. It allowed them to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting, gain valuable insights into careers in the criminal justice system, and deepen their passion for Criminology.