“True freedom requires the rule of law and justice, and a judicial system in which the rights of some are not secured by the denial of rights to others.” – Jonathan Sacks

On Tuesday 19th November half of the Upper Fifth visited the Royal Courts of Justice to explore and experience through role play, the UK legal system (the other half having already visited earlier in the term).

After discussing different kinds of law and some recent cases with our guide, our students enacted a case of appeal in which the appellant was requesting a reduced sentence from murder to manslaughter. Three girls took on the role of the judges, while the others were divided into the representatives for the appellant and respondent. After a lively debate, the girls left with a greater understanding of the intricacies of the legal system, the complexity of balancing societal and individual rights, and an appreciation for the gravitas of the courtroom.