Law and Criminology Conference
Cardinal Newman College is delighted to have hosted our third annual Law and Criminology Conference.
The conference, which took place on Thursday 10th October, featured a range of guest speakers, addressing students on a range of crime related topics. The range of speakers this year was a real mixture, from people who have been personally touched by crime, such as Ann Ming, the mother of murdered Julie Hogg, to professionals working within the field of crime. The visitors have spoken about their experiences to students from the Law and Criminology Departments, to strengthen their understanding of crime and deviance.
Speakers this year include Geoff Hurst, a former Senior Investigating Officer, Jamie Robinson, a Home Office Registered Forensic Pathologist, Glenn Wilson, a Psychologist and representatives from Lancashire Police Forensic Investigation Unit and Crime Scene Managers.
The aim of the conference is to highlight the law enforcement process. As part of the WJEC Criminology course, our Year 13 students study ‘Crime Scene to Courtroom’ which covers the effectiveness of the roles of personnel involved in criminal investigations, as well as assessing the usefulness of investigative techniques in criminal investigations.
The conference will also enhance our student’s knowledge base in terms of campaigns for change that have resulted in a change to the law, for the betterment of society. For example, Ann Ming MBE’s contribution is a powerful illustration of campaigning for change, as Ann started a 17-year long campaign which culminated in a change in the archaic 800-year-old ‘Double Jeopardy’ law. In addition, the conference also furnished our students with an operational understanding of the Criminal Justice System from a vocational perspective, which will substantially enhance their employability skills.
The event comes this year as the College begins its collaboration with the Anthony Walker Foundation, to raise funds and awareness of the dangers and impact that hate crimes pose to the community. As a College, we are championing a campaign, Newman Against Hate, to encourage our College to band together against all forms of hate and discrimination. We want our students and wider College community to be a shining example of the Anthony Walker Foundation’s Mission; a community living in peace, harmony and integrity.
