The visit included a guided tour of the university’s impressive facilities, giving students a valuable insight into life on a university campus. They then attended an engaging lecture exploring key legal principles, including the distinction between actus reus (the physical element of a crime) and mens rea (the mental element or intent).

The highlight of the day was an interactive mock court trial based on the historic case of R v Dudley and Stephens (1884), a landmark decision in criminal law, whereby a shipmate was eaten. Students took on the roles of barristers, witnesses, and jury members, debating the moral and legal complexities of necessity as a defence to murder.

The experience offered students a unique and practical insight into the workings of the legal system, helping them deepen their understanding of criminal law while also exploring potential future careers in the legal profession