This caught my attention this morning (I have a tracker monitoring the HMCS website for changes!) and I shall try to wander along next Saturday. I had a behind the scenes tour of the Royal Courts of Justice a few years ago, and it was quite fascinating – particularly how the prison cells are managed.

Kingston Crown Court may not be as visually stunning as the Royal Courts, but I found the stuff away from the main gallery far more interesting anyway.

Kingston Crown Court Open Day
Saturday 13 Sept 2008, 10 am-4.30 pm

A historic fleet of police cars will greet members of the public taking the opportunity to see behind the scenes of one of London’s busiest courthouses on 13 September.

The court will be hosting an exciting programme of activities that includes:

• Crown and magistrates’ court mock trials from 10.00 a.m. where visitors can be jurors or guess the sentence.
• The Children’s Court – youngsters can dress up in wigs and gowns, have their photograph taken, join in on specially prepared sentencing exercises and put their parents in the dock.
• Behind the scenes guided tours leaving every 15 minutes, exploring the courtrooms, facilities for witnesses and technology such as video link hearings for defendants in custody.
• Local magistrates who volunteer to play a pivotal role on behalf of the local community will explain what’s involved and how they take crucially important decisions about people’s futures.
• The Cells Experience – visitors can visit a cell, sit in a prison van, look at grisly exhibits from the Wandsworth Prison Museum, speak to cells staff or even sample the food that is served up to prisoners!

Entry and activities are free of charge. No advance booking is required and refreshments will be served all day.

http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/cms/2036.htm

Google Maps Location of Court House