HUNDREDS of Bradford schoolchildren will meet a senior judge and take part in mock trials this week in a real courtroom.
They will learn about the justice system and be told a legal career is open to anyone regardless of their background.
The 470 pupils from Leeds, Bradford, Keighley, Ilkley, Batley, and Leeds will get a chance to meet His Honour Judge Jonathan Rose at Bradford Combined Court and take part in workshops run by the National Justice Museum.
Over the nine days, which started on Tuesday, March 7, pupils aged nine to sixteen will play roles including defendant, witness, prosecutor, judge, and jury in the mock trials, which will be based on real cases of cyberbullying, robbery and murder.
Judge Rose, who is acting Resident Judge at the court, said: “The programme has many aims, from planting or nurturing the idea of a career in law or law enforcement to demystifying the courts.
"The course emphasises the role of law and order in the protection of citizens of all ages and encourages students, as citizens, to engage with the legal system where appropriate.
“It will also show them what they might achieve should they commit themselves to working hard in school as they embark on a path towards a career in the law, in law and order or in the agencies which provide support for the criminal justice system.”
The National Justice Museum first held workshops at the Bradford court in 2019 and has returned following a break due to the Covid pandemic.
Gill Brailey, Director of Learning at the Nottingham-based National Justice Museum, said: “You can’t match the impact of a young person being in a real court building, having to go through security, knowing there are real legal professionals working there, and dressing up in real wigs and gowns and using a real courtroom.
“These sessions teach young people about citizenship and the importance of the rule of law. They find meeting a judge really inspirational.”
Students who will take part will be from All Saints C of E Primary School and Bradford Forster Academy, Immanuel College and Eternal Light secondary schools, all in Bradford; Eastwood Community and Ingrow primary schools, both in Keighley; Cambridge Street School in Batley; Ghyll Royd School, Burley in Wharfedale, near Ilkley; and Moorfield School, a primary in Ilkley.
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