Visit to Various Legal
Landmarks across the UK
A
In an unconventional ‘photo essay’,
Monica Gao presents her journey through the law.
D
espite inexhaustible legal knowledge and abstract rationales, one
might still fancy getting an exposure to the vivid scenes and thought
bodies behind the influential cases. Or you may be so immersed in the case
as to begin consciously playing the role as a contractor in a neighbouring
Boots Pharmacy shop. Whilst attending a party at a café, you order a ginger beer and anticipate a sneaky snail to celebrate the 70th anniversary
of Donoghue v. Stevenson. The law permeates all walks of life. As such,
lawyerly thinking rarely stops running.
Legal scholars fancy special kinds of enjoyment. We are keen to engage in monumental gatherings such as the Law Sunday Service at Bristol
Cathedral. At the formal opening of Michaelmas Law Term, I witnessed
the procession of various judges and administrators wearing historical and
cultural costumes. On that occasion, I even got a photograph with Baroness Hale. In particular, I was also attracted by the furry hats and bright
costumes of the Lord Mayors at the historic event. Next, I visited the City
Council.
Some former Lord Mayors and current councillors welcomed me
into the Lord Mayors’ Parlour Room. They are seasoned professionals,
and one of them was actually a lawyer. In the course of business, they had
just finished the licensing of privately rented housing. Not surprisingly,
they have discretionary powers over such issues. What attracted me further
were the sword and truncheon displayed in the Parlour Room—the ones
which I had seen on the Law Sunday. Meanwhile, a spectacular view is
available in the Lord Mayor’s mansion house. That day, they showed me
around the city house and shared their insight on the public meetings held
there. Having visited these landmarks, I now returned to reading cases
about city councils with earnest interest.
Aside from leisure in daily life and the professional community, I
should seriously plan my legal career in order to sharpen a motive and direction of study. For instance, what would a barrister’s daily work be like?
The thought of this already seems intellectually captivating.
Monica Gao is an first-year MA Law student from China, who is interested in
European travelling.
DICTA
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