You, the jury

In the first event of its kind, the Law School will work with Her Majesty’s Court Service to present the workings of the legal system for public examination and education.

‘You, The Jury’ is a two-day event, to be held at the Law School, which will see students and local people invited to witness a realistic enactment of a criminal court case and sentencing session – with all the characters played by real barristers and judges.

Audience members will see the evidence and witness testimonies in the simulated criminal trial and be able to gain an insight into jury deliberations as well as the sentencing guidelines followed by judges. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to question the judges on their sentences and use the lecture theatre’s electronic voting system to vote on the severity of punishment they believe fits a crime.

Dean of the Law School, Professor Philip Plowden, said: “This initiative is a wonderful opportunity for members of the public to witness the justice system in action. Bringing the criminal courts into a place of Higher Education is an innovative approach to opening the workings of the courts to the wider public.  This is a perfect location to bring together judges and barristers to engage with and educate members of the public about their roles and how the system works in practice.”

The Law School has worked closely with His Honour Judge Prince, Circuit Judge at Newcastle Combined Court Centre, to organise the event. His Honour Judge Prince said: “This is a chance for judges and barristers to make transparent - and for the public to better understand - a system that is all too often thought to be cloaked in mystery.”

The public sessions, running from 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm, will take place on Saturday 24th October. Places are limited and must be booked in advance. The sessions are suitable for individuals aged 14 years old and above.

To reserve a place, book online at www.northumbrialawschool.co.uk