Going to Court

32minutes

So after years of only substantive academic, college, fe1's etc while i'm applying for traineeships I was thinking it would be interesting to get some experience actually going into the courts and seeing the machine at work.

What I was looking at was the best way to go about this ? the whole experience can be daunting so I was looking for advise; what cases are the most interesting (obviously subjective) ? the courts website is a bit confusing so best way to find out ? procedures for visiting courts ? anything practical/informal (located in dublin)

I've been to some sittings, commercial court in the high court on a monday but it's been haphazard at best. Personally I was pretty disappointed that the time was never taken in my college course to bring students to the courts, im not sure if the rationale was leave it to blackhall/kings inns but I don't agree with it either way.

Mary Hairy

A law student is assumed to be an adult. Any educated adult would know that the public have a right of access to any court except in special circumstances. A law student should be able to make their way unaccompanied to any courthouse and by observing carefully the demaeanour of people about the place figure out what is going on. There are courts sitting in dublin 6 days a week and right throughout the year. Should be very easy to find time to make a few visits whilst doing a law degree. No need for a lecturer to come holding your hand.

FreudianSlippers

Blackhall doesn't make their students go to court? King's Inns does, but they also assume you've seen the court in operation before!

Just go, Mondays are always interesting and it's stuff you're likely to understand at this stage but any day you can go in and have a look around.

NoQuarter

Courts close for a couple of weeks on the 20th by the way.

Jev/N

Mary Hairy wrote: »

A law student is assumed to be an adult. Any educated adult would know that the public have a right of access to any court except in special circumstances. A law student should be able to make their way unaccompanied to any courthouse and by observing carefully the demaeanour of people about the place figure out what is going on. There are courts sitting in dublin 6 days a week and right throughout the year. Should be very easy to find time to make a few visits whilst doing a law degree. No need for a lecturer to come holding your hand.

Rant much?

murrayp4

Condescension aside :rolleyes:, you should pay a visit to the new criminal courts complex on Parkgate St. You can observe any of the cases (although obviously not cases in camera) The facilities are all brand spanky new and you can actually hear what's going on in court.

nuac

District courts operate all year except for August, when they still have a restricted schedule. If not in Dublin phone your local District COurt Office or Circuit Court office to get dates and venues.

You may attend any court unless there is an "in camera" notice on the door.

Good luck.

32minutes

thanks for all the constructive input there, no need for for some reductionist and fairly condescending commentary but that's to be expected i suppose.

I'm happy enough to go into the courts, the main aim really was not have me wandering around poking my head in random rooms disturbing everybody

Sangre

OisinT wrote: »

Blackhall doesn't make their students go to court? King's Inns does, but they also assume you've seen the court in operation before!

Just go, Mondays are always interesting and it's stuff you're likely to understand at this stage but any day you can go in and have a look around.

Blackhall sends all PPC1 students to attend at least one court sitting.

MagicSean

32minutes wrote: »

thanks for all the constructive input there, no need for for some reductionist and fairly condescending commentary but that's to be expected i suppose.

I'm happy enough to go into the courts, the main aim really was not have me wandering around poking my head in random rooms disturbing everybody

I got the same attitude when I asked about starting a law career. Don't take it personally. Drink driving hearings generally are interesting because solicitors try anything to get their client off a charge and often do.

McCrack

I tend to agree with Mary Hairy that a law student that's genuninely interested in pursuing the professional route should find their way to the Courts themselves. It's the engine room of law. Any law student worth their salt would appreciate that the law must not only be done but be seen to be done..that involves right of access to our Courts (except in camera)

No criticism on the OP by the way but I do find the whole spoon feed me attitude a little annoying.