We welcomed over 60 year 12 students from across Devon and Cornwall to an interactive Law and Criminology Day with our partners at the University of Plymouth and Truro & Penwith College.
Through a crime scene to courtroom live re-enactment, and workshops lead by practising legal professionals, students were able to experience an interactive criminal justice system where they decided on the evidence and verdict. Students were able to immerse themselves and explore the numerous careers and opportunities available in and around law and criminology.
We caught up with some current Law & Criminology students to see what they thought of the day…
Q. What for you was the most enjoyable part the Law & Criminology Day?
A. I really enjoyed the crime scene investigation, it was great to have such realistic props like the cadaver to help understand the process. It was evident from this part that a lot of effort had been put into the event with resources, actors and professionals. – Adonika Price – Fdsc Public Services, Truro College
Q. As a student currently studying at HE, how well do you think the day represented the practical application of skills you are learning on your course?
A. I think it was represented well. Just in terms of the mock trial and the examination of the witness and the cross examination, you can see that there were two very different skills on display. The examination was trying to goad the defendant into saying what he wanted through open questions, allowing the defendant to explain himself/herself and show emotion. On the flip side of that the cross examination was trying to guild the defendant with short, closed questions allowing no explanation and emotion. – Charlie Nicholls Boyce – LLB (Hons) Law, University of Plymouth
Q.Do you have any advice for students currently thinking about applying to study Law and/or Criminology?
A. I would highly recommend studying this subject area. It is so varied and offers a wide range of career opportunities. Moreover, it is really interesting and fun. – Adonika Price – Fdsc Public Services at Truro College
Heather Venables, an Outreach Officer for Next Steps South West, commented:
One of the students who attended said that she wasn’t sure, initially, if she wanted to study Criminology, but because of this event, she’s now 100% certain that it’s the course she wants to study. Another student who attended was worried about whether or not she’d struggle completing a degree in Law, but after her conversation with one of the course lecturers, she came away buzzing and feeling really confident about the course she’s chosen.
If a career in Law and Criminology is something that interests you, then take a look at the Higher Education courses available from some of our partners in the South West.