International Travel
CCJ 389: Spring Break 2025 Trip to United Kingdom
During spring break, CCJ 389 students embarked on an immersive academic journey to Nottingham and London, delving deep into the UK’s rich legal and criminal justice history. The visit began in Nottingham, where students explored the city’s original prison, gaining firsthand insight into historical penal conditions. A highlight of the visit was a dynamic session at Nottingham Trent University with Mr. Phil Rudkin of the Centre of International Law. Students had the unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue alongside three police constables and a dozen NTU students, comparing international perspectives on policing, law, justice, and education.
The journey carried on with a memorable guided tour of Shrewsbury Prison, a decommissioned Victorian-era facility that offered a haunting glimpse into life behind bars. After exploring the historic cells and corridors, students put their wits to the test in a prison-themed escape room — but despite their best efforts (and their professor’s), no one managed to break free.
In London, the group stepped into the grandeur of the Royal Courts of Justice, where students brought a real court case to life in an original courtroom, complete with robed and wigged judges presiding. This hands-on legal simulation offered a rare and memorable glimpse into the inner workings of the British legal system.
The journey concluded with a chilling Jack the Ripper walking tour through the darkened streets of Whitechapel, tracing the path of one of history’s most infamous unsolved crime sprees. This impactful experience blended historical exploration with modern legal insight, allowing students to engage critically and creatively with issues of justice, law, and public safety across two of the UK’s most iconic cities.
Join us next year for CCJ 389c- Ireland! All majors welcome! Contact Dr. Alison Burke burkea@sou.edu for more information.
