Year 6 - Royal Courts of Justice

Pupils from Broadford Primary School had the amazing opportunity to present a case at the Royal Courts of Justice. Working with the National Centre for Citizenship and Law, the pupils had to discuss the case of a child called Nathaniel. In Court 64, the class split into four teams: Judge, clerks and usher; prosecution; defence and then finally the jury. After hearing the evidence from both sides Judge Joseph Bowden directed the jury to make a decision about whether Nathaniel was guilty or not guilty of robbery.

I really thought that he should be acquitted. He seemed to be a good boy and he was in the wrong place at the wrong time

Russell Lockhart - Juror

The case is quite clear and so is the law. Nathaniel was there and did push the lady over. He didn't try and stop the events and is therefore equally guilty.

Joe Faust - Prosecution

The Pupils learnt that High Court proceedings are normally heard by a single judge, although certain kinds of proceedings, especially in the Queen's Bench Division, are assigned to a Divisional Court, a bench of two or more judges. Exceptionally the court may sit with a jury, but in practice normally only in defamation cases or cases against the police. Litigants are normally represented by counsel, but may be represented by solicitors qualified to hold a right of audience, or they may act in person.

In our case, Joseph got to sit in the chair of a High Court Judge - and wear the wig! 

Afterwards we met one of the clerks to the High Court Judges who explained her role and the skills she needs.

It is incredibly important that I am well organised and prepared in time. My Judge needs his paperwork ready for each case and it can't be late. I also have to make sure that he has everything he needs for the cases we are involved in each week. 
Allison - Judge Clerk