This weekend will cover the issue of mental ill health in those who come into contact with the criminal and civil justice system, including defendants, parties and witnesses. The weekend will examine in detail what this can mean for barristers and judges in daily practice.

Students attending this weekend will be taken through the key information that barristers will need to know in preparation for their everyday practice, from mental health awareness, to vulnerable witness handling and the importance of being trauma informed. It will cover the concept of effective participation and the importance of intermediaries.

Students will hear from a panel on current issues regarding mental health in the courts and relevant aspects of criminal [and civil] procedure and approach. They will discuss the extent to which mental ill health might have a bearing on the decision to prosecute through to sentencing options, including under the Mental Health Act disposals, e.g. s37 hospital order instead of prison.

Students will take part in an advocacy exercise addressing these issues and will witness an advocacy masterclass covering fitness to plead in a murder case.