COURT IN SESSION

LOCATION: NOTTINGHAM, LONDON

These thought-provoking courtroom workshops explore a contemporary criminal or civil case.

Students will:

  • Explore the roles in a courtroom
  • Prepare and enact a trial based on a real contemporary case
  • Discuss and debate real sentencing options
  • Learn about the law and justice system and consequences of breaking the law
  • Be encouraged to use their rights and responsibilities to be become more active citizens

Curriculum links include: PSHE, Citizenship, English and Law

Key Stage 2 Themes Available:

  • Cyberbullying
    • A 13-year-old girl is charged with harassment against a fellow schoolgirl, who accuses her of cyberbullying and threatening behaviour.
  • Robbery
    • A 12-year-old girl is charged with robbery, accused of stealing a mobile phone during a street fight.

Key Stage 3 Themes Available:

  • Cyberbullying
    • A 15-year-old is charged with harassment against a fellow schoolgirl, who accuses her of cyberbullying and threatening behaviour.
  • Knife Crime
    • A 14-year-old is charged with attempted murder, accused of stabbing another boy outside a youth club after an argument breaks out.
  • Hate Crime
    • After posting the lyrics of a song online, a 19-year-old is charged with sending an offensive message by means of a public electronic communication network.

Key Stage 4 Themes Available:

  • Knife Crime (for case summary see Key Stage 3 themes above)
  • Hate Crime (for case summary see Key Stage 3 themes above)
  • Cyberbullying (for case summary see Key Stage 3 themes above)
  • Drugs
    • An 18-year-old boy is charged with intent to supply drugs after he is caught with a large quantity of pills and cash at a birthday party.

Key Stage 5 & University Level Themes Available:

  • Knife Crime (for case summary see Key Stage 3 themes above)
  • Cyber-Harassment
    • A 15 year old is charged with harassment against a fellow schoolgirl, who accuses her of cyberbullying and threatening behaviour.
  • Murder
    • A 17 year-old is charged with murder under the principle of joint enterprise. The ultimately fatal knife attack took place against a victim who was targeted because he was mistakenly identified as a member of a rival gang.
Suitable forKey Stage 2 - 5 and University level
LocationNottingham, London or North West
Key skills enhanced includeProblem-solving, critical thinking and analysis, public speaking and debating.
DurationTwo hours
Number of studentsMinimum 20 pupils (charges may apply for groups smaller than 20)
CostRange from £7.50 – £8.50 per student depending on location
BookingEmail learning@nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk or call 0115 993 9811


The students were fully engaged and it was great to see them get into character and to use the law in more realistic form than through textbooks. Outstanding.

Head of Humanities and Art, Bellerbys College

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