Loughborough College law students have been given a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of a real-life murder trial.
Sixth formers recreated a courtroom scene from the notorious Brighton Trunk Murder trial on a trip to the National Justice Museum before a crown court judge offered them an insight into life on the bench. The group ended their day in Nottingham sitting in on an ongoing conspiracy to murder trial.
The opportunity to stage the 1934 trial - which centred on Tony Mancini, accused and charged with the murder of his partner Violet Kaye, after her body was found inside a trunk at his lodgings - saw the Loughborough College law students take on the roles of judge and barristers, complete with wigs and gowns, as well as solicitors, clerk and court usher, witnesses for the prosecution and defence, the jury and members of the public in the gallery.
The students then met with His Honour Judge Coupland who shared with them his experiences both as a prosecution barrister and on the bench. “They also discussed issues including changes he would make to the criminal justice system, whether he agrees with the age of ten for criminal responsibility, his opinions on Lord Denning and the advice he would give to someone wanting to become a lawyer,” said Loughborough College law lecturer Corine Gardner.
“Finally, the group joined the public gallery of an ongoing trial linked to two shootings which involved multiple defendants with charges including weapons and conspiracy to murder. It was a fascinating for them to see a trial on this scale with 13 barristers and Queens Counsel – and afterwards one of the defence barristers came and chatted to the students.
“The whole day was incredibly informative and inspirational for our students. It was an experience which will undoubtedly enhance their studies.”
Pictured: Loughborough College law students bring a murder trial to life at the National Justice Museum