Bournemouth Crown Court will open its doors to Dorset residents this Saturday, 6 June.
The open day starts at 10am and is designed to help people understand how the criminal justice system works, with activities including mock trials, sentencing hearings, guided tours of the court cells and question-and-answer sessions.
Visitors will hear from barristers, magistrates, the Chief Constable of Dorset Police and other professionals working across courts, policing and wider justice services.
Sessions include a talk from the Chief Constable on a career in Dorset Police, a presentation from Escapeline on child exploitation awareness, and a session on the role of a Crown Advocate with the Crown Prosecution Service.
Other sessions will look at court mental health work, becoming a criminal lawyer, opportunities to become a magistrate, and the experiences of a Crown Court Judge.
Organisers say the justice system can often appear “complex or inaccessible”, and that opening the court to the public can help build “understanding, trust, and confidence”.
Those attending will also be able to speak directly with people from organisations including Dorset Police, His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service, the Crown Prosecution Service, Witness Services, Victim Support, Youth Justice Service, Probation, People First, 3PB Barristers and BCP Council.
The event is open to people interested in law, policing, criminal justice careers, or simply learning more about how courts operate.
More details and pre-booking for some sessions are available through the Facebook event.
Sessions include:
- 10:15 Chief Constable of Dorset Police: Sharing a career in Dorset police
- 11:00 Escapeline – Raising awareness of child exploitation
- 12:00 A Day in the Life of a Crown Advocate: A crown advocate will describe their role as a CPS Prosecutor.
- 13:00 – The role of a Court Mental Health Practitioner: A presentation on the role of a Court Mental Health Practitioner
- 13:45 – Becoming a Criminal Lawyer: A Q&A with a Barrister to explain career paths and opportunities.
- 14:30 – The Justices: A conversation between magistrates about the opportunities to
- take up the role.
- 15:30 – The life of a Crown Court Judge: A Crown Court Judge will share their experiences in the role.
