MAGISTRATES from across Kirklees met the country’s lawmakers.

A group of magistrates, accompanied by friends and partners, from the Huddersfield and Dewsbury Benches took time out to visit the Houses of Parliament and the Royal Courts of Justice.

The visit to Parliament was organised through Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman’s local office and as the House of Commons examines and passes proposals for new laws, generally in the form of Bills presented to Parliament by Government, the magistrates were particularly interested to learn about the process.

They also visited the Royal Courts of Justice which was opened by Queen Victoria in 1882. The group was given a comprehensive and informative tour around the historic building. The building is home to the Court of Appeal and the High Court, and other functions associated with those courts.

Magistrate Eileen Marchant said: “The visit provided a fascinating insight into how our laws are constructed in Parliament and then how the law is dispensed at the Royal Court. Some magistrates were able to observe an appeal being presented and argued.

“Everyone found the visit to be a fascinating opportunity to learn more about the judicial process and although a valuable fact finding trip it was funded entirely by the magistrates themselves.”