Royal opening of University of Hertfordshire law court

THE University of Hertfordshire welcomed a royal visitor yesterday (Tuesday) to formally open its new law court building.

The Duke of Gloucester made a trip to Hatfield to conduct the opening ceremony, on the de Havilland campus.

He was met on arrival by the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Countess Verulam, who introduced key university officials including the Vice Chancellor, Professor Quintin McKellar.

The royal party undertook a tour of the new state-of the-art law court building, which includes a large teaching space, media suite, law clinic, mediation centre and replica crown court.

Guests were then invited to the observation gallery to watch elements of a ‘mock trial’.

The new courtroom is a purpose-built facility that mirrors a ‘real life’ crown court and provides an excellent forum for the university’s award-winning mooting and mock trial activities.

The Duke also unveiled a commemorative plaque to formally mark the opening of the law court building.

Prof McKellar said: “The university is distinguished by our relationship with business, encouraging students to engage at every opportunity.

“Here we can replicate that working environment.

“This is our most adventurous move and I am delighted to have asked HRH The Duke of Gloucester to open the building.”

Unveiling the plaque, the Duke said: “It is with great pleasure to be asked to officially open the new law court building which will make the training of future lawyers much more exciting.

“The university has provided a wonderful facility, one of which students will be in awe of when they walk in.

“I wish the very best to those who come here to teach and learn.”