News Publication Date: 30 June 2015
On 19 June 2015, a group of pupils from Castle Rushen High School visited the Isle of Man Courts of Justice.
The educational session was jointly planned between the School, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Youth Justice Team, the Isle of Man Constabulary and the Courts & Tribunal Service, and followed on from a number of successful sessions previously provided by the Courts & Tribunal Service to other schools and more recently the Youth Justice Teams presentation being delivered in schools across the Island.
At the event, Youth Justice Team officer, Scott Wilson and Police Constable Kevin Newburn conducted an interactive session explaining the role of the Team and its approach to education, prevention and support in relation to young people and the Criminal Justice System.
Paul Coppell, Director of Courts & Tribunal Services, hosted a further interactive mock court session in which a number of the attendees had an opportunity to undertake roles such as Judge, Jurors, Prosecutor, Defendant and Victim and to better understand the implications and impact of crime. An open question and answer session then took place which included involvement from the Isle of Man Law Society and others.
At the conclusion of the event Her Worship the Deputy High Bailiff, Mrs Jayne Hughes provided further information and invited questions from the audience.
The sessions were designed to give the attendees an experience of the Court process in a real environment and help them discuss and gain a better understanding of the Criminal Justice System.
It is anticipated that, in conjunction with Schools around the Island, further similar educational opportunities will be provided in the future.
Paul Coppell commented
'I am delighted to be able to work together with all the attendees to provide this opportunity and look forward to being involved in developing and delivering such an important initiative in the future.'
Inspector Bryan on behalf of the Youth Justice Team added
'the Youth Justice Team are confident that the young people who attended this session will have gained a better understanding of the Criminal Justice System and of the implications of crime.'