MP to meet pupils who have been on the inside

This week Stockport MP Ann Coffey will meet the pupils of Adswood Primary School who have been behind the scenes of our criminal justice system.

As part of Inside Justice Week, the Year 6 pupils took part in a Mini Justice Day, which involved visiting Stockport magistrates court to take part in a mock trial. The scenario in court involved a burglar and his under-age accomplice.  A judge was present at the bench, wearing his robes, and a Crime Prosecution Service representative came to present the evidence.  The children heard the evidence and the defence, and also heard about the effect the crime had on the victims of the burglary, before getting the chance to decide on a sentence. They were also able to put their questions to the judge and talk to representatives of the police, Witness service, the Youth Offending Team and the Probation Service.

Ann Coffey brought this to the attention of the Leader of the House of Commons, Harriet Harman, in a Parliamentary Question, asking:

“Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that that is an excellent way of involving children in understanding the justice system and that it should be open to all children? Will she also make time for a debate on the subject?”

Harriet Harman congratulated the work done during Inside Justice week in Stockport, and said she hoped that the children who took part might consider becoming magistrates themselves one day.

Ann Coffey said:   “I am looking forward to meeting the children and hearing how they enjoyed their day in court.  Taking the children through a scenario where a burglar is on trial involves them hearing evidence, understanding the point of view of the victims of crime, and deciding on a sentence. It is a very good way of explaining how the criminal justice system works.”