Taking part in the research

For this study, we would like to speak to:

Anyone who has attended at least one court hearing in the past three years (whether via a video-link or in person), as a:

• defendant in a criminal case at the Magistrates’ or Crown Court OR
• party (applicant or respondent) in a Family Court case relating to public or private law proceedings or a domestic violence remedy application.

What does it involve?

You can take part in an interview with a researcher – either in person or using a remote method such as telephone or video call. The researcher will ask you questions about your recent court experience, including, how you felt you were treated, how well you understood what was happening during the hearing and whether you felt the hearing and outcome were fair and/or what you expected. The researcher will also ask you about other contacts and experiences you have had with the legal and justice systems over the course of your life, and how these different experiences have affected you. We are interested in how contacts with ‘the law’ over time might affect someone’s views and expectations of their legal rights and of the role and value of the justice system.

Your involvement in this research would be confidential, and any findings that are shared more widely will be fully anonymised.

Why should I consider taking part?

The interview offers a chance to discuss your experiences and views of justice systems and processes and how you think these could be improved. Research findings will be fed back to the judiciary and other professionals who work in the justice system, and they will be used as a basis for discussions about the changes needed to policy, practice and public legal education to improve people’s experiences.

A ‘thank you’ for taking part:

If you decide to take part in the research, you will be given a £40 gift voucher (valid for use in a wide range of high street stores) as a small ‘thank you’ for your contribution.

If you would like to get involved or if you have any questions, please contact us at lived-experience@bbk.ac.uk