The Anglia Ruskin Legal Bar Society discuss their events for the 2012-13 academic year.

Already this year the Legal Bar Society at Cambridge have organised and attended many events, including visits to the UK Supreme Court, various Inns of Courts and the Houses of Parliament, and hosting a prestigious presentation from the Metropolitan Police. We've even turned our hand to singing! - and there are still plenty of events to come.

In the New Year we have a mock murder trial and tour at the Royal Courts of Justice,a dinner and talk at Lincoln's Inn,another trip to Westminster,various law fairs,Mooting competitions at the UK Supreme Court,a visit to the Museum of Justice and many more.

On Wednesday 10 October 2012, a group of 15 Year 1 and 2 students on the LLB (Hons) course visited the UK Supreme Court. They were given a tour around the building, along with the chance to ask many questions of their guides.

On Monday 10th December 2012 we were privileged to host a presentation on "Operation Withern" by some very high-ranking officers from the Metropolitan Police Service. The presentation examined the riots that took place in the United Kingdom in the summer of 2011. Students were given the opportunity to view real CCTV footage as well as a DVD created by the Metropolitan Police, which showed the destruction caused by the riots. Thanks to the help of Andrew Gilbert, Colleen Moore and Emma Brett, this presentation was a huge success with a full turn out, attracting lots of interested students from many different subjects. Following the presentation, many students have had the chance to undertake research and volunteering with the Metropolitan Police.

Some members of the Legal Bar Society were unexpectedly asked to perform at the Anglia Ruskin University Christmas carol service, which took place on 11 December 2012. Reverend Nigel Cooper's choirs cancelled at the last minute, and the President of the Legal Bar Society (Emily Konstantas) offered her members the chance to replace them, despite the fact that most of them had never sung in public (and some actually couldn't sing!). Nevertheless, after enlisting the help of fellow members Victoria Ambrosino, Aaron McManus-Wood and Sophie Davidson, a choir called 'Just 4' was formed. On the day of the service, everyone dropped their plans and put their efforts in to practising (some learning the songs for the very first time). Thankfully, we had the much-appreciated help of Roger Thomas's wonderful wife Rachel, who managed to keep us all in tune and in time and, somehow, we pulled it off! Unfortunately we do not have photos from the day but a video is available on the Legal Bar Society Facebook page for those who wish to see us in action.

Emily Konstantas
President of the Legal Bar Society