‘It was interesting see a knife crime case at the Old Bailey’

By Bea Gonzalez

Lawyer-to-be Bea Gonzalez, 15, took a trip to the heart of UK’s law courts, in the City to see for herself justice in action and to admire the grand architecture of the justice buildings.

Ms Gonzalez, from Kuntsford in Cheshire was on an educational trip and was keen to see the places where many famous and important trials have taken place over the years.

She said: “While admiring the Royal Courts of Justice (which I later discovered was designed by George Edmund Street) the winner of a competition to design these renowned courts of law), we were given an insight into the history of the building and its figureheads as we were led on a tour of the grand architecture.

“Afterward, we observed a civil case in one of the many courtrooms.

“Helena, a former barrister, answered any questions I had about the profession and how to begin my career as a lawyer.

“She evaluated her own experience as a barrister, and how it had an impact on her life.

“This was useful for me as it gave a clear view of the profession I aim to pursue in future.

“We attended a court case at the Central Criminal Court known as the Old Bailey, which was incredibly interesting as we were able to watch a trial for a knife crime.

“It’s important that while we must have justice, we must also be seen to have justice and that’s why the public can attend many cases.

“We were forced to follow the strict proceedings and security measures necessary in order to enter the public gallery.

“Just before this we were given a tour of the cells and basement corridors where the defendants are held as they await their trials.

Overall, the time I spent at the Old Bailey was highly useful and interesting.

 

 

Pictured top: The Royal Courts of Justice Picture Bea Gonzalez