BRIDGWATER and Taunton students experienced a taste of higher education in law enforcement.
Students studying A Level Law, Criminology and Applied Science undertook a Criminal Investigations Showcase, delivered by The University of Law.
Experiencing crime scene investigation first-hand, they followed a case from the initial incident to the courtroom.
On November 2, Bridgwater & Taunton College students explored various crime scenes constructed within their campus.
They donned investigation gear and worked collectively to note down evidence, determine motives, and solve the crimes.
The Tony Martin case played a central role in their learning experience.
Martin, a farmer from Norfolk, shot a burglar in his house in 1999.
His trial influenced nationwide debates on household defence rights, heightened by conflicting evidence and issues regarding Martin's firearms certificate.
The university further engaged students by discussing global gun control laws, using real-life cases and finishing off with a session on victimology.
Later in the week, Applied Science students learned about the three fingerprinting types, latent, patent, and plastic.
Our fingerprints, with their unique loops, arches, and whorls, have been identification tools for centuries, providing a vital link between crime scenes and suspects, even in cases involving identical twins!
Zoe Deane Loveridge, an A Level Law student, said: "I found the workshop really interesting.
"I have never heard of the University of Law before and now I can see that they have so many great options available to me.
"I enjoyed seeing how my subjects work in the real world and it was brilliant to mix and collaborate with students from other subjects, who I wouldn't normally work with."
Course Leader Karen Crowley said: "I am so grateful for the University of Law to travel to BTC and deliver these specialised workshops to our students.
"It really enriches their understanding of the theory taught in the classroom and how it transpires to real-life cases and discussions on topics like gun crime and how there are multiple layers of victims to crime.
"I also believe that students who study Criminology and Law saw how the two subjects come together with their similarities and how their differences complement each other well.
"I am certain that a number of my students will consider the University of Law in their progression opportunities, and we hope to book more of their workshops in the coming months."
For more details about A Level courses and facilities at Bridgwater and Taunton College, visit www.btc.ac.uk or email info@btc.ac.uk.
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