52. Advocacy, Trial and Error, March 14, 2022

 


 

Advocacy, Trial and Error 2022 is a must see if it runs in 2023. This year the focus was on advocacy, describing with aid of drama and music, the influence advocacy has had on the outcome of trials – or in some cases, like the coroner’s enquiry into the death in detention in South Africa of Steve Biko, the mobilisation of public opinion. Devised and performed by Queen’s Counsels and colleagues, with musical direction from Colin Sell, the story was set out in 20 sketches/ extracts from proceedings, including the trial of William Joyce (Lord Haw Haw). Many Livery Companies assist with the production through sponsorship or administration.

 The event raises money for the Sheriffs’ & Recorder's Fund (founded 1808), which is dedicated to helping ex-prisoners and their families with small, practical, focused grants to help them on their way, and the Pan Intercultural Arts charity, helping victims of human trafficking.

 


The event took place in No.1 Court at the Old Bailey - the actual location of many of the original trials, the Judges’ entrance (above) being in stark contrast to the prisoner’s exit. This was made clear by the Revd. Jonathan Aitken in his thank you speech on behalf of the charities. He was ordained in the Church of England in 2018 as a Deacon and now serves as a chaplain at Pentonville Prison.

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