Marshalling District Judge Tomas Mitchell; February 2024
On Tuesday, February 20th, I shadowed District Judge Tomas Mitchell at Manchester Magistrates Court. Observing proceedings in Court 5, Judge Mitchell's humble demeanour struck me as he brought his reassuring authority to each case we encountered throughout the day.
While shadowing Judge Mitchell, a seasoned legal professional, I witnessed firsthand the art of adapting to various communication styles for different individuals in varying situations. It was fascinating to observe how Judge Mitchell took pride in understanding who was before him and the best way to address them. He quickly assessed whether they required empathy or a better explanation and adjusted his approach accordingly. The experience reinforced the importance of maintaining a humble and well-rounded personality, even if others view you as superior.
One of the day's revelations was the frequency of Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) being issued. The prevalence of domestic violence issues within the community was brought to light by the significant number of cases. It emphasised the crucial role that such orders play in protecting victims.
During the courtroom proceedings, I was shocked by the remarkable level of effort put in by the police to safeguard victims of domestic violence. The collaboration between law enforcement and the legal system was impressive, and seeing the dedicated work done behind the scenes to enforce DVPOs gave me a profound appreciation for the advocates of victim safety and justice. The commitment and dedication of those working to ensure the safety and well-being of victims of domestic violence is truly inspiring.
The immersive experience I had recently was genuinely one-of-a-kind. As a law student, the experience was precious, giving me rare insights into the legal field. The amount of knowledge I gained from this experience is something I will cherish for a long time, and it has only reinforced my desire to pursue a career in the legal profession. Looking back, I see that this experience has played a pivotal role in shaping my perspective towards the legal world. It was an enriching experience that has helped me grow personally and professionally, and I am genuinely grateful.