Crime and Criminal Justice students Journey Through Global Law Systems

The University of Bolton's Greater Manchester School of Law embarked on a mission to revolutionise the educational journey of Crime and Criminal Justice and Law students through immersive learning experiences. This visionary approach recently culminated in a remarkable study trip to the United States marking a milestone in the students' academic endeavors. This was conceived and delivered by lecturer Tim Woodward, Senior Lecturer Wendy Bateman and Vicky Owens Head of Operations at the School of Law.

Before their voyage to the United States, students had already began a series of impactful journeys that laid the foundation for their hands-on learning experience. Their initial excursion to Krakow, Poland offered a sobering yet essential opportunity to visit the Concentration Camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau, shedding light on the harrowing realities of the Holocaust. Additionally, students explored the Kazimierz Jewish quarter deepening their understanding of historical contexts and reinforcing taught content on Ethics, Prejudice, Discrimination and Allport’s Scale.

The study tour continued to Athens, Greece, the birthplace of democracy and government where students engaged in stimulating political and criminological debates. Delving into the rich history associated with the birthplace of civilisation, students applied concepts of social policy, criminological theory and theories of ethics to analyse various historical and contemporary issues.

Trips to London and New York provided students with invaluable insights into the complexities of global law enforcement and security dynamics. Visits to iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament in London and Ellis Island in New York fostered discussions on immigration policies, human geography and the socio-political implications of historical events like the Cold War. Students explored the contrasting nature of Policy and Process gaining firsthand insights into the implications of covert intelligence gathering and the dynamics of the Arms Race.

Building upon these experiences, the tour to Miami-Dade, Florida, offered graduates a comprehensive understanding of the American criminal justice system. In March, 23 students and two staff members were hosted by the esteemed Miami Dade Police Department immersing them in a week-long itinerary designed to provide invaluable insights into the American criminal justice system. The visit included meetings, lectures and activities to deepen students' understanding of various facets of criminal justice within the American context.

During their stay, undergraduates, postgraduates and alumni had the privilege of meeting with key figures in the field including the District Attorney and the Public Defender. These interactions offered students a firsthand glimpse into the intricacies of legal proceedings, the challenges faced by defense attorneys and the ethical dilemmas encountered in prosecuting criminal cases. Moreover, discussions with correctional staff at the Turner Guildford Knight Correctional facility provided our students with an understanding of offender management strategies and the provision of mental health services within the American penal system.

A highlight of the visit was the presentations by the Miami Dade homicide department which provided students with a detailed understanding of serious crimes including murder. Supported by authentic crime scene files and expert analysis, these sessions allowed students to explore the intricacies of criminal investigations, forensic evidence analysis and the complexities of building a case for prosecution.

Furthermore, visits to various police departments across Miami-Dade County offered students a firsthand look at the multifaceted nature of law enforcement operations. From urban precincts to suburban communities, students observed firsthand how policing strategies vary based on the unique challenges and demographics of each jurisdiction. The experience was further enriched by a session with the Miccosukee Police Department where students gained insights into law enforcement practices within indigenous communities and the importance of cultural sensitivity in policing.

The impact of this learning experience was profound with students echoing sentiments of gratitude and awe. Many described it as a "Trip of a Lifetime," emphasising the unparalleled opportunity it afforded them to gain global visibility into the justice system. Demetri, a third-year Crime and Criminal Justice student remarked, "Trips like this provide incredible insights into the justice system globally and is an opportunity not many people can say they have had." Nicola, a first-year LLB Law student, highlighted the comparative value of the experience, stating, "Fantastic opportunity, it has given me a deeper knowledge of how the law works in a different country which allows me to compare and contrast it to the laws we have here." Grace, another third-year Crime and Criminal Justice student summed up the sentiment succinctly, calling it a "truly amazing experience."

This transformative journey underscores the Law School’s lecturers’ unwavering commitment to enhancing the student experience and preparing them for the complexities of the criminal justice landscape on a global scale. Through experiential learning of this caliber, students not only expand their academic horizons but also cultivate a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of justice systems worldwide.