Crime and Justice

Crime and Justice

‘Crime and Justice’ is not so much a school ‘subject’ as a cross-curricular topic, which can fit neatly into a variety of syllabuses at primary and secondary level – History, EnglishEconomics and PSHE come to mind.

Visits to courts by school groups are possible, but usually by prior booking or agreement. The story of the actions taken after an accused’s appearance in court tend to be more juicy, with all the cruelty, sadness and outrage that they created.

The 12th century Clink Museum in Clink Street, London, is a prime venue as it gave its name to all prisons, then there is the Old Bailey, the UK Supreme Court and Manchester's Courts which all offer specific activities and tours for schools. There are many other available prison visits – for example, Butte, Littledean (the Alcatraz of the Forest), Dartmoor, Northampton and Ripon – while The Tower of London still stands pre-eminent as a school venue.

Main organisations:

Ministry of Justice

National Centre for Citizenship and the Law

Catch22

NACRO

​PSHE Association

Inclusion: NASEN

Thought of visiting?

Royal Courts of Justice, the Strand

Tower of London

UK Supreme Court

London Dungeon

Norwich Castle Dungeon

Dartmoor Prison

Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey)

The National Archives (for convict records)

Venues for this Curriculum

National Justice Museum Education delivers educational programmes at a variety of courtrooms across Manchester and the North West including the Greater Manchester Police Museum and Manchester Metropolitan University

The only museum of its kind in Europe

Based at Nottingham's old county gaol, the Museum explores the fascinating history of crime and justice through time.

Education

This unique museum houses three courtrooms, a prison and police station plus a collection of over 40,000 legal, police and prison-related historical objects and artefacts, including the HM Prison Service collection.

Watch justice as it happens at the Royal Courts of Justice, commonly called the Law Courts.

Built in 1675 following the Great Fire of Northampton, the Sessions House is often considered one of the finest provincial courthouses in England. The court finally moved in 1993, and the building stood empty until 2010 when a new visitor centre was opened. Of particular note is the plasterwork on the ceilings. The Sessions House is constructed of stone with baroque details.

The splendid Great Hall of Oakham Castle is one of the finest examples of late 12th century domestic architecture in England.  Set in a tranquil green open space at the centre of Oakham, step back in time and enjoy this remarkable monument from Norman England.

The Castle has recently been awarded a substantial grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund for restorations and improvements.  

A motte and bailey castle was built in about 1068 inside the south-west corner of Leicester, and became the centre of power for the first Norman overlord of the town, Hugh de Grentmaisnil. In 1107 Robert de Beaumont, first Earl of Leicester, established a college of canons (community of priests) at St Mary de Castro and probably rebuilt the castle defences in stone.

The Supreme Court, as well as being the final court of appeal, plays an important role in the development of United Kingdom law.

As an appeal court, The Supreme Court cannot consider a case unless a relevant order has been made in a lower court.

The Supreme Court:

The world famous JORVIK Viking Centre is a ‘must-see’ for visitors to the city of York and is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK.

Wander the corridors of power and pleasure

With its 500 years of royal history Hampton Court Palace has something to offer everyone. Set in sixty acres of world famous gardens the Palace is a living tapestry of history from Henry VIII to George II.

Connecting schools and young people to Parliament

Whether it be to understand the process of law making, how a general election works, what your MP does, or simply to visit the historic and beautiful Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin-designed Palace of Westminster, the Education team have a vast array of opportunities and resources to offer you.

Visit Parliament

Enjoy a great day out in Warwickshire at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden. One of the largest historic attractions in the West Midlands, the whole family will enjoy exploring the spectacular castle ruins.

The ruins are best known as the home of Robert Dudley, the great love of Queen Elizabeth I. Dudley created an ornate palace here to impress his Queen in 1575.

The Museum was founded in 1981. Funded by Greater Manchester Police, it not only collects and preserves archive material and objects relating to the history of policing in the Greater Manchester area, but acts as an important resource for community engagement, where visitors can talk to staff and volunteers about policing.

Education

NCCL delivers educational programmes at the Civil Justice Centre and Crown Court in Manchester and at Bolton Magistrates’ Court.

The Museum's award-winning displays use extensive research and the latest technology, including a tape tour of the town, to help you share the enthusiasm for Cromarty past and present.

Jedburgh Castle Jail gives visitors a taste of what life was like in an 1820s prison, whilst also telling the story of the Royal Burgh of Jedburgh. 

Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, known as the Tower of London, is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London.

The Tower of London was constructed in 1066 immediately after the Norman Invasion led by William the Conqueror, with the White Tower being built in 1078. It was then expanded under Kings Richard I, Edward III and Edward I.

Surgeons' Hall Museum is the major medical museum in Scotland, and one of Edinburgh's many tourist attractions. The museum is recognised as a collection of national significance by the Scottish Government.

The museum, at the Head Office of Scotland’s oldest bank, traces the history of banking and money through the story of the company. 

This fascinating museum takes a fresh look at money – and much, much more. Art & design, technology, crime, trade and security – all feature in the story of money. We are open throughout the year and admission is FREE.

The museum has on display 40 life masks and death masks of renowned individuals from famous scientists and politicians to notorious murderers. Plus skeletons and other anatomical items and sketches from the last 200 years.

The museum is open daily to the public.

History

The Tolbooth Art Centre is based in Kirkcudbright's 17th century Tolbooth. This served previously as the Town Council offices, Burgh and Sheriff courts and the criminal and debtor's prison. One of its most famous prisoners was John Paul Jones, hero of the American Navy.

A medieval tower house in the centre of Stranraer

Built around 1500 by the Adairs of Kilhilt, one of the most powerful families in Wigtownshire, over the centuries the Castle has been used as a home, a local court, a military garrison and a prison.

Videos and reconstructions are used to tell the story of:

One of Aberdeen's oldest buildings and one of the best-preserved 17th century gaols in Scotland

The Tolbooth Museum is one of Aberdeen's oldest buildings and one of the best-preserved 17th century gaols in Scotland. It features displays on local history and the development of crime and punishment through the centuries. The Tolbooth Museum provides a unique experience in the form of its atmospheric 17th and 18th century cells, original doors and barred windows.

Witness History at Scotland's Living 19th Century Prison

Experience the atmosphere, brought vividly to life by the warders,matron and prisoners as you wander through this unique location. Interest and excitement for all ages.

Lostwithiel was founded in the twelfth century by the Norman lords who lived in Restormel Castle. The town prospered as the centre for the administration, testing and export of tin. 

Lostwithiel grew in importance becoming the county town of Cornwall and home to the county's most significant port. 

This charming cottage, dating from 1502, is the oldest domestic building in the market town of Dereham. It houses local history and archaeology displays, including archive photos of Dereham and still has its authentic Victorian kitchen. 

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British schoolgirl assaulted on school trip to Iceland

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A viral video shows a black girl being assaulted by a white woman in a corridor.

Police in Iceland are investigating after a British schoolgirl was slapped and chased by a tour guide in a hotel corridor.

The schoolgirl, 13, who attended Harris Girls’ Academy, was assaulted whilst on a school trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. The incident occurred at Hotel Örk, Hveragerdi on 13th October.