A group of first-year Criminology BA Honours students from the University of Westminster recently visited the Old Bailey Criminal Court as part of their Justice and Human Rights module to learn about the criminal justice process.
Taking place on 28 October, the visit gave students the opportunity to observe real criminal trials first-hand, taking what they have learnt in the classroom directly to the courtroom, from initial arrest to post-release. The trip was organised by Dr Sinem Bozkurt, the module leader and Lecturer in Criminology, to help students connect theoretical learning with real-world practice.
After covering the topics of courts and criminal trials, students had the opportunity to see how key concepts, such as due process, the right to a fair trial and judicial procedure, are all applied within a live courtroom setting like the Old Bailey. This experience offered valuable insight into how human rights considerations shape each stage of the criminal justice process and offered an in-depth view of a career in Criminology.
Former inmates, some of whom were tried and sentenced at the Old Bailey, were also invited as guest speakers to share their experiences with the criminal justice system, allowing students to hear firsthand accounts after attending court.
Dr Bozkurt said: “The visit to the Old Bailey is crucial for students to see everything they learn in action. It allows them to observe the realities of criminal justice first-hand, deepen their understanding of courtroom procedure and appreciate the human impact behind the cases they study in class.”
One student, Roberta Prosinecki, added: “The atmosphere in the courtroom was serious, heavily weighed down by the emotions and the gravity of the proceedings. Observing the dynamics within this intense environment offered fascinating insights into the application of laws and the essential roles played by various participants in the justice process. This experience had a profound impact on social factors related to crime and punishment and also sparked my interest in critical areas such as restorative justice. It highlighted the vital role that citizens have in upholding the law.”
The visit directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education and 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about Law courses at the University of Westminster.
Related articles
