Earlier this year, our third year 6 LLB students visited Kingston Crown Court.
The visit, organised by our Law Clinic Manager, Gurpinder Khanba, gave students a deeper understanding of law in practice, following on from the legal skills they have been developing in our Law Clinic. It also helped highlight the subject and to aid them with their career choices.
Seven excited students joined Gurpinder, as this was their first visit to a court. For any law student visiting a court is essential, especially those looking to progress into a legal career. It’s the perfect opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice as real-world proceedings can’t be replicated in a lecture room.
Stepping into a real court room is like entering a live-action legal drama. This is even more true at Kingston Crown Court which hears the most serious cases. With new trials starting and barristers rushing in and out of courtrooms, for our students it’s a crucial eye-opener to the real-working environment of the court.
Students witnessed the magic of real-life proceedings, seeing how law actually works in practice. Instead of a polished, scripted version made for tv, students saw seeing how barristers have to think on their feet, how judges keep order in the court room, and how witnesses testimonials can make you see cases in a different light. Students were quick to spot the subtle nuances and the crucial details that can make or break a case.
Reflections from students
“Our visit to the Kingston Crown Court was a valuable opportunity to witness the intricacies of a trial in person. My key takeaway from this experience was observing how the advocates handled accidental mistakes, such as making a minor adjustment to facts when confirming them with the defendant, and unforeseen circumstances, such as the disclosure of new evidence, in a composed and professional manner.
“This reaffirmed to me that, despite extensive preparation and years of experience, challenges can still arise in the courtroom. Therefore, I learnt that it is essential to develop the ability to think critically under pressure, which was demonstrated exceptionally well during our visit.” Anna Romero
“Visiting Kingston Crown Court was an insightful experience that deepened my understanding of the criminal justice process. Observing a live trial that involved multiple defendants in a distressing case highlighted the complexity of courtroom dynamics, from barristers’ advocacy skills to judicial decision-making. It was particularly striking to see how evidence that was clearly uncomfortable for the defendant was handled with such precision and focus, ensuring that the case proceeded impartially.
“Touring the different courtrooms also broadened my understanding of the various types of cases heard at the crown court. I left feeling more motivated to pursue a career as a solicitor, inspired by the professionalism and advocacy skills that define the legal profession.” Shyann India Hall
“As this was my first time attending hearings at a crown court, the experience was eye-opening and exciting to say the least. Attending the court gave me a real feel of the intensity of the legal world, as you are essentially witnessing people’s lives change in front of your eyes. It was also very useful to see how the barristers put forward their legal points to the judges, as well as witnessing the amount of detail that goes into the cross-examination of witnesses.
“All of this really helped bring to life the theoretical legal knowledge we have amassed over the three years, and I would recommend anyone to attend, to see the reality of how the English legal system operates. A big thank you to Gurpinder for organising the day on behalf the clinic!” Hafeed Magid
Each student took away that law is a dynamic, human-centered practice, that observation and analysis are essential legal skills that effective advocacy requires both legal knowledge and emotional intelligence.
They certainly caught the court bug – as they are planning another visit without Gurpinder!