Our Year 6 trip to Workington Magistrates’ Court was a truly eye-opening experience and a fantastic way to bring our learning about the justice system to life. From the moment we arrived, we were fascinated by how the court works and the important roles people play in ensuring justice is carried out fairly.
During our visit, we learned about the different types of crimes handled in a magistrates’ court compared to those heard in a crown court. It was interesting to discover that magistrates typically deal with less serious offences, while more severe crimes are passed on to higher courts. One fact that really surprised us was that children as young as ten can be brought to trial in the UK. This led to some thoughtful discussions about responsibility and the law.
We were also intrigued to learn that magistrates are volunteers who come from all walks of life, and that you can even become a magistrate from the age of 18. It was inspiring to see how ordinary people can contribute to the justice system in such an important way.
One of the highlights of the trip was taking part in a mock trial. We each had the opportunity to step into different roles, including chairperson, defence lawyer, prosecutor, victim, usher, and legal advisor. This hands-on experience helped us understand how a courtroom operates and gave us a chance to build confidence in speaking and working as a team.
Overall, the visit was both educational and enjoyable. It gave us a deeper understanding of the justice system and left us with lots to think about. A big thank you to everyone at the court for making our visit so engaging and memorable!
