CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN ACTION: HNC’S CRIMINOLIGISTS ATTEND LEEDS CROWN COURT

HNC’s Criminology students have experienced the Criminal Justice System in action with recent visits to the Leeds Crown and Magistrates courts, hearing a range of live criminal cases and discovering more about the different roles available to them post-HNC.

In Criminology, students explore a variety of topics relating to criminality, developing their understanding of why some members of society commit crimes, and how the Criminal Justice System deals with those who break the law. In a recent visit to Leeds Crown and Magistrates courts, Year 12 Criminology students had the opportunity to experience the theories learnt in the classroom in reality, witnessing a variety of criminal cases from murder to organised gang crime. On the day, as well as hearing the prosecution and defence setting out their cases, and hearing from witnesses and those who had been accused, the groups also had the opportunity to speak with the judges about their role in the judicial process, including how final sentences are decided on.

As well as listening to a variety of cases, students also had the opportunity to explore the wider roles within the courts, from the Court Clerks who ensure the smooth and efficient running of legal proceedings, to the Barristers who are tasked with proving innocence or guilt. Adam Midgley, Teacher of Criminology, shares more “Students studying Criminology are in a position to progress to a wide variety of university degrees, apprenticeships and roles, and in our recent visit to the Leeds Crown and Magistrates courts, our Year 12 students explored the broad range of careers that make up the UK’s Criminal Justice System. It was fascinating to watch the theories we learn about in the classroom brought to life, and many of the topics included in upcoming assessments were experienced in court throughout our visit. Our students behaved impeccably during their time in court, which at times covered some challenging and upsetting content. I know that the group came away from their time in court inspired and motivated by the possibilities ahead of them, and I can’t wait to hear more about their planned next steps”.

In Year 10? Come and experience Criminology in action at our upcoming Open Event on Thursday 10 July, where you will be able to enjoy a variety of hands-on and engaging activities to discover more about studying this dynamic subject at Level 3. Find out more here.