Open Justice Centre blog

Open Justice student Dona Mclachlan writes about her experiences as a Citizens Advice volunteer.

In this guest post, law student Vera Potts reflects on her work as a Witness Service volunteer.

As a Witness Service Volunteer both prosecution and defence witnesses are supported at the criminal court through the process of giving evidence. Previously it included pre-trial visits to the courts for vulnerable intimated witnesses, however from April 2019, funding for pre-trial witnesses were devolved from the Ministry of Justice to the office of the mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

In this latest blog post 'Digital Justice' student Heather Gordon looks at the role technology plays in domestic abuse issues.

Domestic abuse cases have soared during the Covid 19 crisis, with many victims increasingly isolated and perpetrators exploiting lockdown rules [1]. Present difficulties in securing access to traditional avenues of support and legal relief, mean the Government must consider alternative methods and procedural changes to best safeguard and protect those affected by domestic abuse.

Lily McDermaid was inspired to write a piece for our blog after working through the free course 'Pro bono work and social justice' which is a taster for our module 'Justice in action' (W360).

In this second guest blog post trainee solicitor Caitlin Alexander writes about the current EU Settlement Scheme.

In March of this year, the government announced a further £8 million to assist vulnerable people to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme – a scheme which EU citizens MUST apply to if they wish to stay in the UK after 30 June 2021.

Hugh McFaul, Director of The Open Justice Centre and Module Chair of W360 'Justice in action' writes about taking legal outreach online.

In this guest blog post trainee solicitor Caitlin Alexander writes about asylum cases and persecution on the basis of sexual orientation.

'Justice in action' student Roseline Egbejimba writes about her experience on a recent 'public understanding of law' prison project 

During one of my modules last year, a student highlighted the benefits of participating in one of the prison projects. I remember quite vividly the smile on the student’s face as she recounted how much she looked forward to each prison visit and how rewarding the experience was, not just for the prisoners but also for the students. I was intrigued and wanted to know more.

In this guest blog post Professor Suzanne Rab reflects on human rights, diversity and inclusion in the UK in the wake of the UK’s departure from the EU on 31 January 2020.

Undergraduates from the UK and overseas will be wondering about the implications of Brexit for human rights, equality and diversity law and practice in universities.

W360 ‘Justice in action’ offers some excellent opportunities to work in communities and give back some of what you have learnt as well as developing those skills you may have newly found. Daniel Doody writes about his experiences of volunteering with Citizens Advice.