“My name is Meiyang and I’m a member of the Youth Town Council. I recently graduated from Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School and am on a gap year, planning on studying Law at university. To build experience, I have been academically engaged through participating in essay competitions and Moot (mock judicial proceedings examining a hypothetical case). However, I soon realised that it wasn’t enough because I lacked exposure in how law works in practice. This eagerness for knowledge led me to pursue a judge marshalling work experience at the Aylesbury Crown Court.
The night before, I prepared my suits ready for this amazing experience but the morning of my first day was, of course, a nervous one. I walked inside the Crown Court, was checked by the security guards and marched my way upstairs. My stomach was full of butterflies as I walked through the long corridor with paintings of different judges on the wall. I greeted Judge Sheridan at court and was immediately amazed by the solemn atmosphere. I was excited but at the same time, anxious.
I witnessed Judge Sheridan’s usual ‘Monday’ work where he listed all the cases for trial. The Judge carefully considered the details of each case and saw the defendant either in person or through screens. One case regarding a suspended sentence for non-compliance left me in a state of reflection. This case was associated with revenge pornography and the defendant wished to be given another chance through community work instead of imprisonment. However, weighing up the evidence, Judge Sheridan decided to dismiss the suspension sentence order. Such cases displayed the balance between rehabilitation and adequate punishment which plays an important element in our criminal justice system. I was amazed by the Judge’s clear line of reasoning and admired the advocacy skills of criminal barristers. As for the second and third day, I sat through trials and legal debates between lawyers. The variety of events demystified the ‘secret business’ of Crown Court and expanded my legal knowledge. Not only that, I have learnt more legal vocabulary, and also sharpened my logic reasoning. This experience was certainly a precious one because it confirmed my desire to pursue a legal career. The professionalism of lawyers and all the Judges I have met inspired me deeply. They are my role models in the journey of Law.
I would like to express my gratitude to Judge Sheridan for accepting me and the Town Clerk who helped me in securing this opportunity. I am proud to be an active member of society because without being a member of the Youth Town Council, I would never have been this close to my dream and participate in this work experience!
Meiyang Jiang
Youth Town Councillor