The British version of Law & Order – at the Old Bailey
The Old Bailey, officially known as the Central Criminal Court, is the top criminal court in the UK. All of the most well-known defendants and trials are held here. Just like any courthouse, you can visit and see what a British trial is all about.
Seeing a trial at the Old Bailey is definitely off the beaten tourist path, and is something virtually no Londoner has ever done. Yet, if you’re interested in law or just want to see a real-life British “Law & Order,” it’s a free and different way to spend part of your day.
The Old Bailey is not exactly tourist-friendly, or even visitor-friendly for that matter. Typically only other lawyers and family members are in the gallery. The entrance is a little out of the way, and the only other people around are bailiffs for security. But most are friendly enough if you tell them what you’re there for. Be very conscious that because this is the highest profile criminal court, you must be on your absolute best behaviour, and the bailiffs will remove you for disturbing the proceedings.
To see a trial:
All you need to do is go to the Old Bailey visitor entrance (shown here) and go in. You cannot have mobile phones or cameras with you, and there is no place to store them there. All visitors go through a security checkpoint, and then you’re free to go to any courtroom. I would suggest checking out this website or the noticeboard outside the visitor’s entrance to see what trials are going on in which courtrooms. Some are trials, others are sentencing, some may be empty.
When you enter the courtroom, simply take your seat quietly. You’ll get to see what it’s all about.
What to expect:
The public galleries at the Old Bailey are actually on the floor above the courtroom, so you look down onto the whole room. Visitors can see the jury, the defendant (who is behind glass at the very rear of the courtroom), the prosecutor and defence lawyers in the middle, and the judge at the front. The judge and lawyers will all be wearing robes and wigs. The judge typically has a very large wig that covers his head, while the lawyers have smaller wigs, that just cover the very top of their head, like a very (very) bad hairpiece. Please note that the description of the room is based on the trial I saw; your experience may vary slightly.
The trial I saw was fascinating, though disturbing. (It involved a tennis coach and an underage student.) I managed to walk into the gallery just as the victim started giving testimony. As she was underage, part of the gallery had been roped off and barriers put up around the witness stand so that only people in the court could see her, for privacy. It took some time, and after an hour or so the court ended for the day. There was a little ceremony where everyone in the court had to rise (including the gallery) and say “God Save the Queen” or something like that. Very British!
Summary:
Seeing a trial at the Old Bailey is most certainly off the beaten path for things to do in London, but it is a unique insight into British culture and the legal system. If you have a few free hours, particularly if you’re a bit of a “Law & Order” fan, then it might be just for you.
Cost: Free
Getting There: Take the Underground to St. Pauls or Blackfriars stations, on the Central, District and Circle lines.
Map:
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1 Comment
Wow, I wish I’d known that when I visited. Well, I suppose there’s always next time.