Forum Topic

Crown Court

The Crown Court in Ridgeway Road has been there for a number for years, and although I have had several neighbours parcelled off for jury service, none of us have ever been inside ourselves.Youngest son has recently voiced thoughts about taking Law so it seemed a good opportunity to pencil in a visit during half term.I made a few enquiries about whether we could just turn up, and the hours the Court sits, and after sorting out what we could and couldn't do (it is okay to go in when the Judge is talking, for instance) we spent a couple of hours in one of the courts yesterday, and went back again this morning to another of the Court rooms.It is a very interesting experience.  I wrote notes to 'Son' when I thought I knew (!) what was going on, and we quickly got the hang of it.The Court yesterday was smaller and didn't have as much business going on, the one today was a much bigger room, and bustled all morning, with people appearing from the Cells with an accompanying PC.  I was going to say, 'cells down below' because you immediately assume that is where they will be, but I don’t actually know if that is the case.A number of the cases today originated from the Airport, and most of the pleas were guilty.  Even if the plea is guilty the defence barrister still launches into a world of explanations as to why the person committed the offence.  Mostly, the only reason they appeared to be in Court, was because they got caught, which may sound a strange comment, but each story was told about a respectable person, who was led astray on this one occasion.  * fooled into being involved in a large containment of cannabis - I was busily converting the grams into 'English' when somebody kindly explained the monetary value was somewhere over £300,000 – I understood that!  * fooled into carrying 5 forged passports, that sort of thing.There are numerous things about human behaviour which can be written about in a humorous way, and we saw a number of things which would, in turn, have you smiling.  Encounters with Hounslow Council can be recounted in a light hearted manner, and I don’t have much (any really) faith in getting anywhere with changing an archaic system which people are allowed to abuse because the system hasn’t moved on.I find this world very sad.  Somebody’s Son, somebody’s Daughter, somebody’s Father.  If I chose to find any amusing parts they would be about the Barristers.  Yesterday they appeared to be enjoying the joke about themselves and were very relaxed and happy and chatty whilst waiting for people to arrive.  Today they were all very busy.So, is there somebody I have left out?  Who might that be?  The answer to your question is  -  in this short snapshot of Court life, the Judge appeared to be very astute and fair.  We were very impressed!

Sarah Felstead ● 7374d5 Comments

Thank you all for the interesting comments!  Son has been reading your postings.Your comment Gareth about being billed by a Barrister for the length of time in court, possibly answered a question we had as it appeared at least one Barrister might have been spinning the tale out just a teensy weensy bit?  I had already (on the note pad) talked to Son about how they wore their gowns, and this chap started with his around his back and was dressing as he spoke to the judge; a very flamboyant set of movements pulling it up over his shoulders and waving his arms and shoulders as he did this.He appeared lost in making up reasons as to why the 'Guilty' man, wasn't really 'Guilty' at all.  I think he was trying to convince somebody that it was a guilty plea for convenience only? so was facially not directing his story to the Judge (it appeared, anyway).It was a bit like being given a space to work in.  Most of the Barristers stood and moved very little, working a space of around 2 ft sq.  This other one appeared as if he felt he was on stage? and had at least triple that, arms and body leaning all over the place.  The Court Clerk had to motion (frantically) to ask him to take his arm off the video monitor on the front edge of the desk.  He had grabbed it with one arm as if to steady himself, and was flailing the other around as if delivering a soliloquy.The body language of the people in front of us appeared to be a 'good grief!'  'do we have to listen to this?' coupled with a 'what a lot of codswallop'.  I swear that one had begun studying the ceiling very intently, and I was expecting somebody to start whistling at any moment.I had written 'what a load of codswallop' on the pad when somebody else had been trying the same style of argument on the Judge (guilty, but not really guilty, m'lud) and as this story changed I kept underlining it. Under the desk a foot was swinging irritatingly.  This was the only other movement in the room apart from the speechmaker, who having removed the 'steadying arm' from the monitor, had wedged it at an angle in the small of his back.  This posture coupled with the folds of the gown, the wig and his nose angled at around 2 o'clock, looked distinctly as if he were trying the patience of the Judge?I thought the Judge was having a mellow moment as he obviously took this all in, his body language was very still and measured in comparison, and maybe he was having a wry smile, to boot.

Sarah Felstead ● 7372d

Slightly off tangent but we journalists refer to McNae's Essential Law for Journalists which covers most of what goes on in the various types of courts. It makes quite easy reading and I have even used it to argue successfully against barristers and the like.But I wouldn't want to encourage your son into journalism - I can barely afford a bus pass never mind a Porsche!

Sally Henfield ● 7373d

The other profession which is a licence to print money is to be a vet, one of ours had a Porsche! O.K. if you like animals and distressed humans.

Vanessa Smith ● 7374d

Sarah, I was delighted when I read your posting. I’d encourage him too. There’s no getting away from the fact that in almost all areas of his future life, he will inevitably face law and the legal process. As a career move, a background in law is always a big bonus. I’ve worked in the USA and across Europe for law firms so I’d say go for it. You’ve made a great start in attending at Court – well done on the commitment you have shown him.One of the best ways I know of beginning to understand law would be to log onto http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts.htm, pick a year, print off an act and the explanatory notes, if any. Be careful though as not all of the acts have explanatory notes.  I don’t know if your son is into football. If he is a good act might be the Football (Disorder) Act 2000 which is at; http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/20000025.htmThe explanatory notes are at: http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/en2000/2000en25.htmRead through the act and the explanatory notes together and you’ll both get a lot out of it.Other worthwhile resource may be the Court Service which is at: http://www.courtservice.gov.uk/Good luck to him and to you and well done once again. What a mother your son has, excellent work.

Gareth Evans ● 7374d

SarahIf you son is really interested in reading law, then encourage him in every way possible, there are many reasons why, but one is indelibly printed on my brain forever.During a court case I was involved with about 10 years ago, one Barrister charged me £250 for 5 minuets in court, and another £350 for 10 minuets.Now that’s a licence to print money, it’s got to be the best profession to be in. 

Paul Allen ● 7374d