02.02.2007
Police and law students are sharing simulated courtrooms and role-play cases at the University of Brighton in the latest collaboration between the university and Sussex Police. The simulated court brings the students together using real magistrates who are also members of Sussex Police Authority.
The university which began training police students last year runs two law qualifying degrees and the Common Professional Examination (CPE) course. James Macdonald, professional programmes leader at the university, said: "The police students have to show that they can give evidence in court and the law students have to act as prosecuting and defence lawyers, examining and cross-examining witnesses. The courts boost the skills for both sets of students and increases their professional understanding of each other."
As part of the training for the mock courts, the law students observed
a real court trial and had a training session from the local branch of
the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on court etiquette, the basic
rules of evidence in a criminal court, and how to examine different
types of witnesses. Some of the students have already been inspired
to consider a career as a criminal lawyer as a result of the training,
and have already applied to the CPS for vacation work placements.
Law with business student James Isted said: "The experience gave us a good insight into preparing a case and then presenting this to a real magistrate. It’s the first time I have been in direct contact with a magistrate and it was rather daunting at first but after the first case I began to feel more confident and the whole process flowed well. I will add this to my CV which will boost potential career opportunities and I would recommend this to other students."
Detective Inspector, Alison Eaton who helped set up the courts, said: "The mock courts worked as a safe learning environment for both law students and police students. Giving evidence can be a nerve-racking experience and because the courts were so realistic it was excellent practise for all students. Police officers were never given training like this previously so it has been a real success."
PC Emma Bosson said: "The course was very professionally put together and realistic. I think that both sets of students were nervous but it was an incredibly useful experience."
Sussex Police Authority member and magistrate Sue Iles-Jonas who sat on the court said: "We're pleased that the Authority is leading the way by being involved with this innovative form of training. We want to see cases being properly prepared and brought to court in a way that convictions will be secured. Giving evidence in court is a challenging experience and watching the officers do it brought home to us how valuable it is for them to be given this chance so early in their career. Hopefully when they come to do it in 'real life' they will be more confident now."
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
