My First Experience at a UK Magistrate Court: A Nigerian's Perspective – Part One and Two By Damaris Amaka Onuoha
Part One
So, in February I decided to take a trip to the Magistrate Court here in the UK just to observe and see how things are done. You know, as at then, I hadn't yet been admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales, so I thought, why not get a sneak peek? Well, let me tell you, the experience was nothing like what we’re used to back home!
I walked into the court building, all geared up to witness some real life law drama, only to be met with the first hurdle, security!. Now, I know we have security checks back in Naija, but not in a Magistrate court. I was politely asked to submit myself for a search. Omo, I thought I was entering some high-profile arena or a Supreme Court , not a Magistrate Court!
First, I had to take off my wristwatch and wedding ring, and carefully place them in a small bowl. My bag joined the party too, all set to pass through a screening machine. I was watching the whole thing like I was at an airport, not a court. Next, it was my turn to pass through what I like to call "the beeping machine." I was like, "Okay, once I pass this, I’m free to go." But no o! Just as I thought it was all over, one of the security officers asked me to spread my arms.
Ah! In my mind, I was like, “Shebi I just came to observe court proceedings, not to stand trial at the Supreme Court!” I started wondering, “If this is how the Magistrate Court is, what on earth will happen when I eventually go to observe at the Supreme Court?” I shuddered at the thought.
Anyway, I did as I was told, spread my arms like I was about to take flight and they started scanning me with another machine. No beeps this time, so the officer nodded and said I could go. That’s when I quickly told him what brought me there, He pointed me to the reception area and advised me to tell them my purpose for coming. Ah mogbe, will I not just enter the court right away but no!, I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself. This was all so new and, dare I say, exciting.
To think that back home, I will just drive to court, and choose which one to enter without any form of checks, in fact anyone can just walk in. But here I was, enjoying this entirely different experience. Who knew observing court proceedings could come with so much screening even before stepping into the courtroom?
I’ll continue this story later, but trust me, it's an interesting one.
Do you know the message I got? Security is paramount for court staff and officials. To ensure their safety, it’s essential that everyone is properly screened.
The things we learn and experience in different places can really open our eyes!
Part 2
Continuing my adventure at the Magistrate Court here in the UK, after my interesting security screening, curiosity got the better of me. Before moving to the reception, I couldn’t help but ask the security guy, “ Does everyone attending court have to go through this screening before entering?” He nodded and said, “Yes, everyone.” He even mentioned that attendees are usually told to arrive an hour before their court time just to handle security checks and any pre-court discussions.
Wow! I was genuinely impressed. What an organized system! I couldn’t help but imagine how things would play out if we had this back home. Picture a party to a court case rolling in with his entire village to prove a point. Security would have a field day screening each and every one of them! It would be a screening spree, and I had to laugh at the thought.
Anyway, I finally made my way to the reception and met a very lovely lady. I explained that I’m a Solicitor from Nigeria and had come to observe the court proceedings and see how things work over here. She was so kind, checked which courts were in session, and then directed me to Court XYZ. But it didn’t end there, she actually walked me to the court, introduced me to the Usher, and explained my mission. I felt like a VIP observer!
Once inside, I was seated at the back. When the Justices came in, I was introduced to the court as an observer for the day’s proceedings. My Naija instincts kicked in immediately. I quickly switched off my phone before it embarrassed me with an unexpected ring!
Then, something caught my attention that I really liked. Back home, the dock is usually right at the back of the courtroom, where the lawyers sit, and it’s typically an open dock. But here, the dock was on the right hand side of the court, close to the wall, with a glass like covering that reached the ceiling. The defendant would be inside, along with a police officer. It gave the courtroom a more organised and secure feel, something we might want to consider back home.
It was a productive day for me. I had a beautiful and eye opening experience, seeing how things are done differently and how such organisation can really make a difference. I’m learning so much, and it’s a reminder that there’s always room for improvement.