No, not the driving of Mr. Cheal on the way! The Unit 3 Legal Studies students awoke before the birds to head down to a ‘Day in Court’, literally, on Monday 3rd June! Following some ‘Top Gear’ driving and maneuvering into a parking space we were treated to a fascinating morning in the County Court. Firstly we were addressed by Judge Michael Tinney who offered some quite emotive insights to the job of the judges and the criticism they suffer from the media! We then listened to the tragic stories of some of the unfortunates in our society who become linked to trafficking and drug addiction. We were probably more affected by their disregard for their own children and families. Mr. Lazzaro was to be sentenced for six charges (all offences committed whilst already on bail) a few days after we were in court but there was general consensus he would get deserved jail time and a Community Corrections Order (CCO)!!!
In the afternoon, the students took part in a scripted mock court at the ‘Crime and Justice Experience’ in the old City Magistrates Court. Judge Tahnee Reynolds presided with Tipstaff Brock Hardy assisting. Senior Counsel Jessie Tall prosecuted and Senior Counsel Alec Moss was defending culpable driver Kim Tran(Ky Hodson) with all students playing other legal roles. The students not only showed the benefit of their legal experiences but took part in a compelling discussion about the possible sentence at the conclusion of the plea hearing, impressing the facilitator hugely.
Following a role play City Watchhouse experience we headed home, a tired group, but with plenty to contemplate, both legally and warily, as the spectre of the consequences of culpable driving hung over us all following our fascinating day. Hopefully we gained a little more insight into our legal system and the huge responsibility that comes with driving!!
We should be both proud and impressed with the intelligent input of our students, though their ‘power shopping’ over the lunch break was singularly disappointing, with the exception of Nurul Sanif who stood proudly with her Japanese feast! Ky remained the eating machine of the day finishing with space for KFC after devouring at every opportunity.
