17 November 2009
Sheffield youngsters get `Court in the Act´
Sheffield youngsters swapped the classroom for the courtroom last week (12 November 2009), as they took part in a unique outreach event at the University of Sheffield.
A group of 120 youngsters from Tapton School Sixth Form in Sheffield visited the University to take part in `Court in the Act´, which aimed to introduce them to the law in society, the impact it may have on their lives, and what it would take to be a top judge or barrister.
The event used the University´s Moot Court as a courtroom setting to tell the story of a young man´s involvement in anti-social behaviour which then leads to more serious crimes. The youngsters had chance to question the police on a number of topics including whether anti social behaviour order´s (ASBOs) work and why `hoodies´ are perceived as intimidating.
The event was organised by the University´s School of Law, South Yorkshire Police Anti-Social Behaviour Team, the Education Welfare Service, the Youth Offending Service and a Safer Neighbourhood Police Officer. The interactive event is designed to be as realistic as possible to show participants how being involved in this type of behaviour can have such a big impact on them and their families. Charles Perryman, Chairman of the Police Authority, also took part on the day.
The youngsters were also given the opportunity to tour the University and meet with the students to talk about life at University, and the career and life choices it can open up to them. Participants also included those on the University of Sheffield's Professions Progression Partnerships (PPP) programme for Law, which aims to raise the aspirations of more young people to have the expectations of professionals, and ensure they have the capacity to achieve their full potential.
Dr Claire McGourlay, from the School of Law, said: "The aim of the activity was to give teenagers an insight into how the law can impact upon them and how it relates to their everyday lives. As one of the top law schools in the country, this was a great opportunity for local youngsters to get a better understanding of the legal profession and also to work closely with South Yorkshire Police. We hope to continue this work in 2010 to give more young people the same opportunity."
PC Alan Hancock, South Yorkshire Police Children and Young People´s Officer, said: "After the great success of the pilot project at the Town Hall, we intend to continue `Court in the Act´ next year, covering a variety of issues that affect young people." For further information please contact: Lauren Anderson, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2221046 or email l.h.anderson@sheffield.ac.uk
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