This year’s theme of ‘Shifting Perspectives’ champions unheard voices and unseen lives, while giving an insight into the criminal justice system and the lives of those affected by crime.
Headlining the week is Jessica Bull, author of the hugely successful Miss Austen Investigates books. She will be delving into the darker side of Georgian society on 18 October, all within earshot of the writer. Exploring the way that Austen addressed the themes of betrayal, deception, and the consequences of immoral actions in her novels.
On 15 October Julie Mackay, a veteran police detective and author of the award-winning To Hunt a Killer, explores why the media focusses on certain types of crime while overlooking others and why there is no such things as the ‘Ideal Victim’.
BearFace Theatre returns to Law Week on 16 October after last year’s sold-out event with the premiere of Speak Out, Listen In: Perspectives On the Criminal Justice System, a new production that interweaves performance, recorded interviews, and the spoken word with audience participation. Be prepared to see the criminal justice system in a totally new light!
The award-winning documentary Holloway on 17 October is a powerful film about six former inmates revisiting their old cells to reflect on the childhood trauma and domestic abuse that led them to prison. The women – brave and unfailingly articulate – share their stories.
The University of Winchester’s Faculty of Law, Crime and Justice is once again part of Law Week, with a new ‘who dunnit’ on 18 October. Participants are asked to solve a 300-year-old murder mystery by visiting the crime scene at the Cathedral, interviewing the suspects, and examining the evidence. This is a fantastic opportunity for would-be sleuths to attempt to crack an old case. Suitable for children aged 13+.
Law Week begins with two services at the Cathedral: Evensong for Homelessness Day in partnership with Trinity Winchester on 10 October – remembering all of those living with homelessness and the impact it has upon people’s lives. This will be followed on 12 October by the Law Sunday Service which celebrates the work of the judiciary, police, and emergency services.
More than 300 Hampshire school children from years 3 to 13 have been invited to participate in criminal case re-enactments at Winchester Crown Court. Led by the National Justice Museum, real judges will oversee historical trials, with participating students acting as prosecution, defence and jury – determining if the accused is innocent or guilty.
Shaun Romain, who organises Law Week with former High Sheriff Amelia Riviere, said: “Our third year is our biggest and best ever. It’s a fantastic platform for ideas and a place for encouraging greater understanding of the justice system in this country. We’ve something for everyone, from playful and fun to inspiring and ground-breaking. If you’re inquisitive and open-minded, wanting to broaden your horizons and experience new and different perspectives then Law Week 2025 is for you.”
Law Week is organised by Winchester Cathedral with the help of Shentons Solicitors, The University of Winchester, Winchester Law Courts, BearFace Theatre, The National Justice Museum, Baxter Storey, Waterstones, Winchester Books Festival, and is programmed by Shaun Romain and Amelia Riviere.