Inside Justice Week 2007
Inside Justice Week gives the general public the chance to see behind the scenes of the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales. Up and down the country events and activities are organised to show the inner workings of our police stations, courts, and prisons.
Inside Justice Week is now an annual event and aims to give the public an insider's view of the criminal justice system. Last year it ran from 3rd - 10th November and West Yorkshire provided a range of opportunities to see behind the scenes of the Criminal Justice System.
You be the Judge - 6th November 2007
The first event of Inside Justice Week was a resounding success. Members of the public were invited to increase their knowledge of sentencing and find out how Judges make their decisions.
A Judge, a prosecutor and a defence solicitor presented criminal cases as if they were in a real court room. The audience listened to the evidence and then were invited to choose a sentence that they thought befitted the crime. The event was unique in the fact that every person participated by using 'Who wants to be a Millionaire' style voting keypads. The real sentence was then revealed and the Judge would explain the reasons behind his decision. It was an informative, educational and fun event that the LCJB will be rolling out across different regions of West Yorkshire and to specific groups. Keep an eye on the website for news of future sessions.
Inside Justice Careers Event - 8th November 2007
Agency professionals from the Crown Prosecution Service, Victim Support, West Yorkshire Probation, HMP Leeds, West Yorkshire Police, Bradford Youth Offending Team and the LCJB Secretariat spent the afternoon at Bradford University to speak to students about possible careers within the criminal justice system. The representatives were able to provide information on different roles within their agency and specific advice about career progression, graduate schemes and volunteering opportunities.
Huddersfield Court Open Day - 9th November 2007
Criminal Justice agencies were out in force at Huddersfield Magistrates Court. Members of the public and local schools came along to see how a real court works, speak to staff and watch mock trials. Visitors also had the opportunity to see the number of different agencies working in the criminal justice system and hear about their roles and responsibilities.
Calderdale Court Open Day - 10th November 2007
Calderdale Magistrates Court open day proved a popular choice for Saturday shoppers who decided to sack the shopping and instead meet Magistrates and see mock trials in action. All the criminal justice agencies were on hand to provide information on their roles and share their inside knowledge with the public. Visitors also had the opportunity to have a tour of the grade II listed building by a knowledgable member of court staff while the kids had fun having their photograph taken in the cell that the infamous Houdini escaped from.
Inside Justice Week is held throughout England and Wales visit the national website to find out what other areas got up to.
For more information on events taking place in West Yorkshire 2008 please contact the Local Criminal Justice Board Communications Officer, Jenny Turner on 01924 292248.