A SPECIAL day will be held in Bradford to bust some of the myths surrounding court and its inner workings. 

An open day for the public will be held on Saturday, March 14, at Bradford Combined Court, which is home to Bradford Crown Court.

People are being invited to visit in a bid to demystify the inner workings of the legal profession and the courts.

For many, attending court is likely to be an unusual and intimidating experience, whether this is as a witness, defendant, party or juror.

But the team behind the event want to make that a thing of the past. 

The day’s events will run from 10am until 4pm and will include tours of the building, including courtrooms and cells, plus mock trials and displays from the wide range of organisations which make up the justice system in West Yorkshire.

The open day will also be supported by West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Police Museum, providing insight into policing now and throughout history.

Many of the agencies supporting, assisting and advising members of the public who have cause to use the courts will also be on hand to discuss their work, including the Probation Service, drug and alcohol agencies and those involved with issues of domestic violence and children affected by the law.

Bradford Combined Court Centre is in Exchange Square, behind the Great Victoria Hotel.

It serves not only the community of Bradford but also Keighley, Skipton, Ilkley, Bingley and Halifax.

The building houses the Crown Court, Family Court, County Court and, on occasions, the Coroners Court.

Senior members of the judiciary will be available to be asked the burning questions you’ve always wanted to know from ‘why do you wear wigs?’ to ‘how does it feel to make life changing decisions?’

His Honour Judge Jonathan Rose, who has presided over many major cases in Bradford, said: "The people of Bradford and the surrounding areas may interact with the law in a range of ways from contesting a speeding ticket to finalising an adoption.

"It is important that the community we serve feels a level of ownership and engagement in the way the law is applied in Bradford however they may come to be in one of our courtrooms."

It's hoped the day will remove some of the apprehension and misconceptions that surround the legal process and dispel any myths popularised in television and film.

It's also hoped it will promote law as a career option open to everyone.

There'll be an opportunity for visitors to meet barristers, judges, solicitors, probation staff, support workers and the police. 

More details will be released closer to the time - anyone interested in attending is asked to look out for further information in news outlets and not call the court centre.