19 June 2026
Cerys W, Lower Sixth
Our Lower Sixth sociology trip to the Royal Courts of Justice provided a valuable opportunity to observe the operation of the legal system and consider its role as a key social institution within society. Throughout the visit, we gained insight into the structure of the courts, the responsibilities of legal professionals, and the processes involved in reaching judicial decisions. Seeing the court environment firsthand enables us to move beyond the theoretical concepts studied in class and develop a deeper understanding of how laws are interpreted and enforced in practice.
One of the most engaging aspects of the trip was participating in a mock trial, where we assumed the roles of legal professionals and worked through a case before reaching a verdict. After completing the trial, we discovered that the scenario was based on a real case, which was particularly relevant to young people, as it highlighted the increasing role of social media in everyday life and the difficulties faced by the legal system when determining whether online content should be considered harmful or criminal. We also had the opportunity to speak with a newly qualified lawyer, who answered questions about both the case and the route into the legal profession, providing valuable insight into legal careers and the realities of working within the justice system.
The trip offered a valuable learning experience outside the classroom. Sharing lunch together as a cohort provided an opportunity to discuss the issues raised during the visit and reflect on the different perspectives surrounding the case. Overall, it encouraged me to think critically about how justice is administered and demonstrated how sociological perspectives can be applied to real-world institutions and social issues.