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# Order in the court: Ipswich residents invited to play magistrate for a day
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/ipswich-residents-invited-to-play-magistrate-for-a-day/
- Published: 2024-09-12T04:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:35:48.000Z
- Description: Ipswich residents can step into the shoes of a magistrate on Saturday, 14 September, as the town's Magistrates Court opens its doors to the public for Heritage Open Days 2024.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Events & Things To Do, #article, Ipswich Central, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**The big picture:** This rare opportunity allows the public to explore a working court and gain insight into the justice system. It's part of Ipswich's contribution to the national Heritage Open Days event, which celebrates this year's theme of "Routes, Networks & Connections."

![Ipswich Magistrates Court](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1725875284-ipswich-magistrates-court-jpeg-22.jpg)

Ipswich Magistrates Court Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

**Why it matters:** Many people never enter a courtroom unless called for jury duty or facing charges. This event demystifies the legal process and helps citizens understand how local justice works.

**Key details:**

- Date: Saturday 14 September 2024
- Time: 11:00 to 15:30
- Location: Ipswich Magistrates Court, Elm Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2AP
- Cost: Free entry
- Pre-booking: Not required

**What to expect:**

- Mock sentencing exercises, including "Goldilocks and the 3 Bears - was Goldilocks Guilty?!"
- Opportunities to speak with Magistrates and representatives from other agencies
- Behind-the-scenes tours of court cells
- Meet police dogs (hopefully) and see a prison van
- Talks from a Law lecturer from Suffolk University
- Meet representatives from the Crown Prosecution Service and local law firms

**Important information:**

- As a working courthouse, there will be a security presence
- Visitors may be searched upon entering the building
- Prohibited items may be confiscated

**What they're saying:** Melanie Willis, Communications Manager at [Ipswich Central](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/ipswich-central/), said: "Heritage Open Days offer an opportunity to visit all types of heritage venues and here in Ipswich we have lots of interesting places to see."

**How to participate:** No booking is required. Simply turn up at the Magistrates Court on the day to join in the activities.

**The bottom line**: Whether you're interested in law, local history, or just curious about what happens in a courtroom, this unique event provides valuable insights into an essential part of Ipswich's civic infrastructure.

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