Theatres of Law

As part of the Masters course, we recently visited the Royal Courts Of Justice, across the road from the Strand campus in London. Our Professor, Alan Read, has written about the ways in which Theatre and Law interact and intersect, and we were there to experience this for ourselves.

The first thing that struck me was the theatricality of the Court itself: the hall is built in a neo-gothic style, built in the late Victorian era, to convey the impression of the Law as something permanent, ancient, and impressive. I also wonder whether the style of the architecture is intended to reflect the hall at Westminster, which was where Law and Judgement in Britain has its roots.

I also reflected on whether the similarity with Cathedrals was to tie in secular law with divine law in the minds and attitudes of those attending the Courts? The law/god in judgement equates secular laws with divine right, and either replaces or reinforces the 'rightness' of the law, which is also echoed in oaths and judgements during trials.

The layout of the building made me feel, by turns, small and insignificant against the majestic weight of the halls, but oddly exposed, with nothing to 'hide' behind. Is this a physical demonstration of the intention of the Law to be open and transparent, with the ability to 'see' the Law in action? However the meandering maze of corridors, poor signage and myriad closed doors also made me feel extremely disoriented and reinforced that this was not 'my' place as I didn't know the routes and rules.

Layout of Royal Court of Justice
Image Source: mycerebrationofspaces.wordpress.com

The theatricality of the space also called to mind the grand entrances to theatres, and the layout - with the beautiful, open architecture screening warrens of corridors where the work takes place, also called this similarity to mind: on stage it is that which is impressive that is seen, and all of the work is hidden in order to preserve the theatricality of the event.

We were encouraged to explore the Courts either alone or in small groups, so I'm sure others will have formed many different impressions and opinions, but these were my initial reactions and reflections after visiting.