Families will get to try on judges gowns and hear how judges
prepare for cases at Derby Justice Centre.
The building, part of which dates back to the 17th Century, is
opening its doors on Saturday 18 May 2024 to show how the court
and its staff serve the community and deliver
justice.
Residents will be invited into the historic court building to
explore cells, relive criminal trials, visit a family courtroom
and take a behind-the-scenes look at how justice is done with the
hard-working staff on the ground.
A medieval oubliette – or dungeon – still lies beneath the
complex. Prisoners would be kept here before walking through
underground tunnels to the former Derby Gaol, in Friargate, to
serve their sentence. In the evenings, the space held public
events such as plays, concerts and balls.
Justice Minister , said:
As well as a world-leading justice system, we have a truly
historic courts estate, such as the unique court in Derby,
telling centuries worth of fascinating stories.
We are investing millions of pounds every year to ensure our
court buildings are fit for the future and reflect our high
standards, while also preserving their unique and incredibly
important history.
Nick Goodwin, CEO of HM Courts and Tribunals Service,
said:
We are delighted to be opening our doors to the public in Derby,
sharing all the work we do here at HMCTS to make sure justice is
delivered for victims.
Our courts are working at full throttle to tackle the backlogs
and we are investing £220million for essential modernisation and
repair work of our court buildings.
Derby Justice Centre is made up of the original Shire Hall,
completed in 1659, and two courtrooms dating from the 1800s, all
surrounded by a modern extension of courtrooms and offices, which
were finished in 2003 and unveiled by the then Prince of Wales.
Judges, magistrates' and court staff will be on hand to answer
questions, and families can speak to The Governor of HMP Foston
Hall Prison, the Probation Service and Crown Prosecution Service
teams about how they each play a vital role right across the
modern-day justice system.
