Year 12 Criminology students recently had the incredible opportunity to visit the Basildon Crown and Magistrates’ Courts, immersing themselves in the real-world workings of the legal system. Throughout the morning, they engaged in conversations with judges and magistrates, gaining invaluable insights into the complexities of criminal law.

Students observed courtroom proceedings, including defendants, police officers, and witnesses presenting evidence, and watched a jury being sworn in. They also witnessed sentencing and took part in deliberations, considering how they might rule based on the evidence presented. The experience brought their classroom learning to life and deepened their understanding of the judicial process.

Mrs Butler, Criminology Teacher and trip organiser, said: “Visits like this bring criminology education to life by offering real-world exposure to the justice system. Rather than just studying theories and case studies, students can witness legal processes first-hand. Speaking with judges and magistrates gives them a deeper understanding of legal decision-making, ethical considerations, and courtroom procedures.”

From a school perspective, enrichment experiences like this spark enthusiasm and engagement, making criminology feel more tangible and relevant. For some students, they may even inspire future careers in law, policing, or criminal justice; by witnessing the justice system in action, students gain a clearer understanding of legal professions and may be drawn to roles such as solicitor, barrister, police officer, forensic expert, or policy advisor.

It’s not just all about the law though, engaging with Judges, Magistrates and court staff allows students to see the human side of law - how decisions are made, the ethical challenges involved, and the impact of justice on individuals and society. Moreover, watching live cases and deliberating on evidence develops critical thinking, analytical skills, and confidence - essential qualities for any career involving problem-solving and decision-making.

Whether students ultimately enter law enforcement, criminology research, social work, or legal advocacy, these experiences provide a strong foundation for their future.

“It was really insightful — it showed us how the court process works.” Jacob.F

“I found the visit very interesting, especially as we witnessed a very emotional court case. We also learned about the different processes that happen in a courthouse.” Joy.N

“What stood out to me was how emotional court can be. You get to experience and understand first-hand the emotions of defendants, witnesses, and the prosecution.” Muna.E

“Today was really interesting and helpful. I learned more about how the Crown Court
operates.” George.A

“Today’s visit was both intriguing and helpful. I learned a lot about the court system and the different roles — from the judge to the defendant.” Ali.H

“This has been a fascinating experience. I saw how evidence is presented and how people give statements. It gave me a clear insight into how the justice system works.” Eva-Nicole.B
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“The experience was both educational and enjoyable. It helped me understand how court proceedings work by witnessing real cases.” Daniel.H

“Today was incredibly informative. It helped me understand how the British Crown Courts function, and it even introduced me to a new potential career path.” Louise.E

“It was fun and educational to see how trials and appeals actually work — especially watching how judges and barristers interact.” Grace.C