Winchester Crown Court Open Day – Saturday 18th March
18 March 2023
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is supporting Her Honour Judge Angela Morris, the Recorder of Winchester and Resident Judge of Winchester Combined Courts, in opening up Winchester Combined Court on Saturday 18th March to give visitors a unique, behind-the-scenes look into the criminal justice system. The open day was planned for 10th September but was postponed after the sad passing of HM the Queen.
The event is hosted in partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Criminal Justice Board and Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunal Service.
The open day is free and aimed school and college leavers who are interested in exploring a career in criminal justice.
Visitors will have a chance to:
Visit the court cells
Be involved in a mock trial – and decide the verdict
Meet those working in the criminal justice system; real Judges, barristers, solicitors and police officers
Learn about career opportunities
Meet the police wellbeing dogs
Find out how the criminal justice system worked during the pandemic
Where: Winchester Combined Court, SO23 9EL
When: Saturday 18 March, 10.30am – 3.30pm
Entry: FREE
Her Honour Judge Angela Morris, Resident Judge of Winchester and Salisbury Combined Courts, said: “Open Day events are a tremendous way to introduce the community to the court and provide them with some understanding of the work which goes on inside and outside the courtroom.
“A Crown Court Open Day plays an important role in bridging the gap between those organisations who operate within the justice system and the community they serve. The primary purpose of the forthcoming Open Day is to allow members of the public the opportunity to observe the various functions of the Crown Court in action and to engage with the organisations involved in the justice system so as to better understand the role each plays within it and, hopefully, to remove some of the myths and misconceptions that may still prevail.
Diversity and Inclusion is an important part of what a modern justice system should look like, which is why these principles are at the heart of this Open Day event. I believe that public confidence in the legal system can best be achieved by those who operate within it engaging with members of the public to inform and explain how we meet the challenges and complexities of the job we do.
“I do hope you will get involved in this event and please do not hesitate to contact the court if you need any more information.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Donna Jones said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people and the wider community to get first-hand experience of how the court system works and meet professionals who work in the criminal justice system.
“Visitors will be able to see court rooms, cells, witness how trials actually work, take part in a mock trial and get advice on future careers.
“I am really pleased to be supporting an event that opens up the world of criminal justice to young people and I hope those who are interested in learning about the British judicial system, crime and policing, come along.”