As part of the Mourant Summer Student Internship Programme, eight Caymanian students recently spent half a day at the Law Courts, gaining first-hand insight into the work of the courts. During the visit, they toured the court facilities and observed the jury selection process for a criminal trial in the Grand Court.
The visit began with a 30-minute session with Chief Magistrate Her Honour Angelyn Hernandez (centre), who outlined the role and functions of the Summary Court. After observing the jury selection process, the students met with Acting Justice Dale Palmer of the Criminal Division of the Grand Court, who explained aspects of what they had just witnessed.
The students later spent time with Justice Emma Peters of the Criminal Division. As seven of the eight are currently studying at universities in the United Kingdom, Justice Peters drew on her many years of experience as a Circuit Judge there to discuss some of the differences between the jury selection process in the UK and the Cayman Islands.
The Law Courts have hosted students participating in the Mourant Summer Student Internship Programme for visits and discussions with Judges and Magistrates for many years.
Justice Richard Williams, who oversees the Judiciary’s engagement with early-career legal professionals through the Articled Clerk Programme, said:
“The Judiciary welcomes opportunities to engage with aspiring legal professionals and give them a first-hand understanding of how our courts operate. Visits such as this allow students to see the courts at work and to engage directly with members of the Judiciary as they consider careers in the legal profession.”
The students, whose three-week internship with Mourant began on 13 July, thanked the Judiciary for the opportunity to visit the Law Courts and spend time with members of the Bench, describing the experience as a fitting conclusion to their internship.