The Modern Judiciary: Who They Are, What They Do and Why it Matters

Who are judges, what do they do, and why does it matter? From criminal trials to Brexit, judges in courts and tribunals across the country make decisions that affect our daily lives everyday, but their role isn’t always understood. On this course, you’ll be introduced to the role of judges in the legal system of England and Wales through an array of articles, cases and interviews with judges. You’ll explore how judgement works and engage with the work of the judiciary through the study of a recent decision of your chosen court. You’ll also consider how judges are portrayed in the media and learn how working practices have evolved over time. This course is designed primarily for young people interested in studying law. The course will also be of interest to those at the beginning of their undergraduate law degrees as part of an Introduction to the English (& Welsh) Legal System course or module, and for non-Law university students interested in pursuing a career in the law. There are no prerequisites for this course and anyone with an interest in the legal system of England and Wales would enjoy this course.