Willesden County Court

Yesterday, Denise and I took a train out of central London to Willesden County Court, where we were promised some real 'on the ground' action, quite different from the cases we usually see in the RCJ. (We were also warned that we should not wander around too much lest we get stabbed or something but it really wasn't so bad. We did find however that the area is largely populated by people from the South American countries and sub-Indian continent).



The work in the county courts is fairly routine, and involve mostly family matters and repossession claims. There are 2 Circuit Judges, and 4 District Judges, who share the work between them, with most of the trials and/or more serious matters going before the Circuit Judges. There's a lot more volume here than in the RCJ, and we also get to see more real, tangible issues for the man on the street, many of whom are just trying to eke out a living, given the extremely high cost of living in the UK. Very different from the large commercial claims or clinical negligence cases we see in the RCJ.

After hearing a morning of a mishmash of case management conferences and possession cases, we adjourned to one of the judge's chambers for lunch! This is apparently something they do every day - they sit around a table in the judge's office and take out their packed lunches. There's also cheese and crackers for everyone to share, and coffee and WINE! Needless to say we had a great time (*hic*) and enjoyed their company very much. They are a jolly bunch of people and were very warm and welcoming.




After lunch, one of the Circuit Judges kindly donned his robe to pose for a photo with us. They must've thought we were extremely tacky but nevermind we've got a great photo to show for it. :)



Weather: Brrrr.