Surrey CSI, Law & Order: The Investigation & Trial of Romeo Montague

What’s on offer?

Worst. Decision. Ever. If only he had not picked up that knife...

Following a street fight between two rival gangs, Romeo Montague has been accused of stabbing his girlfriend’s cousin and has gone into hiding.

Now, Crime Scene Investigators must gather evidence from Romeo’s home which can be presented in Court...and lawyers must use that evidence to convince jurors to reach a ‘just’ verdict.

What will the consequences of Romeo’s actions be?

Join a unique immersive experience, as the University of Surrey opens its doors to showcase its CSI and Courtroom facilities to the public.

Discover how crime scene investigators work, and how the techniques they use to gather evidence affect court rulings.

Explore how lawyers use – and challenge - forensic evidence during a trial.

Decide what justice should look like when a bad decision results in the loss of a life.

Reflect on the consequences of that decision for all concerned.

What’s it about?

“Part fools, put up your swords, you know not what you do.” Romeo & Juliet.

Based on a performance from ‘Romeo and Juliet’, by Guildford Shakespeare Company, this event will begin with a dramatisation of the fateful decisions which lead to the stabbing of Mercutio and Tybalt - a scene that dramatically shifts the tone of this famous story from romance and youthful energy to tragedy and revenge. 

Your job is then to investigate the crime scene through a virtual reality tour of Surrey’s purpose built CSI facilities, before participating in a simulated law trial, in the University’s digitally connected Court of the Future.

You’ll discover how to secure the scene, collect evidence, and write witness testimonies. You’ll also be encouraged to present evidence and cross-examine, whilst learning about sentencing, arguments for the prosecution and the defence, and the roles of those involved in real life criminal trials.

The consequences of knife crime can be cataclysmic for everyone involved and this event forms part of an ongoing collaboration with the Knife Angel Project, a touring installation that has travelled the UK raising awareness of the impacts of knife crime on families and loved ones.

Materials and resources from this project will be made available to teachers and young people on request, following the event.

Who’s leading the event?

Dr Katy Peters, Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Surrey.

Claire Rhodes, Associate Professor in Criminology and Forensics, University of Surrey. 

Julia Ker & Helen Ghodane, Digital Education Consultants, Surrey Institute of Education.

Open to

Young people, adults. This event discusses knife crime. It is therefore only suitable for people aged 11+

Of particular interest to

The event will engage anyone who wants to find out more about crime scene investigations, forensic science or law and trials.