Law in Action

Leaning about a legal system and its practices can be done from a textbook - but visiting a real court makes the words of the book come alive. It is a principle of Common Law systems - such as the English and US systems - that, except in special circumstances (where young people are involved; or the matter is purely domestic, or national security may be endangered), the courts are open to the public.

So if you are learning about Magistrates Courts or County Courts - why not visit the one in your local town? Crown Courts can be found in most large towns - and the High Court sits in various places around England. The Court of Appeal (as well as the High Court) sits in the Royal Courtsof Justice in the Strand, London. The Supreme Court meets in a building on the western side of Parliament Square.

If you are a student, let the court officials know - talking to them, and the lawyers can give a real insight to how the courts work - and will make any textbook, however dry, come alive.

Details of Courts in England and Wales can be found here.