im a criminology student and never been in a court room, am curious to see exactly what goes on.
Does any one know if i would be allowed in to obseve even if i am not connected to the case
2006-12-14 08:13:55 · 31 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
There is a public gallery in every courtroom which you are entitled to sit in and watch proceedings. The exception to this is Youth Justice cases, if the defendant is a young offender the public gallery will be cleared.
Many Courts also have open days where members of the public can tour the Court and find out about its workings - that way you may get to see other parts, such as the cells.
I would recommend reading up as much as you can on Court process before you go, so that you understand who is who and what's happening. It would also be worthwhile to try and go to both a Magistrates' Court and a Crown Court so you can see the differences.
2006-12-14 19:22:11 · answer #1 · answered by purplepadma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can. Unless a judge has closed the trial to the public, which they can do for different reasons, or if it is a juvi case, then it is public. The best thing to do is go to the local court house to one of the judges chambers and tell the secretary that you would like to sit and watch a trial, and they will be happy to tell you when would be a good time or good trial and what court room it takes place in. You can always just show up and sit and watch whatever is going on, but a lot of times their aren't any trials going on. Usually just a bunch of hearings, or conferences. You need to find out when the civil and criminal TRIALS are taking place.
2006-12-14 09:44:26 · answer #2 · answered by On Time 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you probably will be but I think you need to arrive at the court early that day, tell the court clerk and then find out what cases are on the docket and what judges will allow it. The area behind where the lawyers and plaintiffs/defendants sit is called the gallery. I thought that they give preferential treatment in gallery to family members connected to the case, witnesses, reporters etc. but there is usually room left over for others.
You could also try watching court tv when they televise actual court proceedings.
2006-12-14 08:19:40 · answer #3 · answered by Matt M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes all court hearings except family proceedings are open to the public. Talk to the court usher or just go and sit in the area reserved for the public. you can walk in or out at anytime but not during a judgment.
2006-12-14 08:16:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most courts have a public gallery. This is a vital part of the system as it allows justice to be seen to be done.
2006-12-14 08:41:26 · answer #5 · answered by Martin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless the judge specifically bans people not related to the case, you may sit in, but you must remain for the course of the day's action.
You can't decide to split after 20 minutes, but are free to go when they take a break
2006-12-14 08:16:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I went to court, just show up a little way before the case and ask for permission to be entered.
2006-12-14 18:48:11 · answer #7 · answered by badshotcop 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, most court rooms have a public gallery, you will be allowed in to most cases, unless it is a case of indecent assault involving a minor. Minor cases are usually held in a closed court.
2006-12-14 08:16:53 · answer #8 · answered by stone 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely you can. Some limits though: can't walk in and out while the jury is being charged; can't sit in on the jury deliberations; and can't cause a disturbance to the case.
Also, if you can't hear, that's too bad. You can't ask people to speak louder or show you exhibits or displays.
2006-12-14 10:07:55 · answer #9 · answered by Nobody M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Public gallery? Anyone is allowed into court. No mobile phones, camera's tho. Good luck in your career.
2006-12-14 08:53:17 · answer #10 · answered by naplusultra 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋