Winchester city centre is hosting a "thought-provoking" law festival this week, with a variety of events.

Law Week 2024 is the second outing for the law, crime, and criminal justice focused festival.

The event aims to explore the criminal justice system and contemporary policing through performance, literature, worship, and enquiry.

The week-long event will be held at various places across Winchester including the cathedral, the university and the law courts.

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Organiser Shaun Romain said: "We hope our unusual and stimulating events help people to look beyond the tabloid headlines – providing new insights into the everyday challenges faced by our criminal justice system."

The festival will feature a variety of new events this year including performances, a schools' programme, and an exhibition.

These will be in addition to a writers' talk, a forensic 'whodunit', and a panel presentation.

The Very Reverend Catherine Ogle, Dean of Winchester Cathedral, said: "Social justice is central to the Gospel and to the Church of England’s present-day understanding.

"We hope that through Law Week and similar community-focused events, Winchester Cathedral can contribute to building a better future for all; helping to bring people together, offering solidarity, and supporting communities.

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"We are proud to be part of Law Week 2024, an event that actively invites different voices and perspectives, shining a spotlight on the criminal justice system and how it affects large parts of our society."

The event started on Saturday, October 5 with the University of Winchester’s Death at the Cathedral – an interactive murder mystery puzzle for all ages.

It will conclude the following weekend with Winchester Cathedral’s Law Sunday service – an annual service of celebration for all those who work in law and order.

Throughout Law Week 2024, schools from across Hampshire will be taking part in law-related activities.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Youth Commission will deliver their young people-led crime safety workshops to secondary schools while the National Justice Museum will take over part of Winchester Crown Court as it re-enacts historical trials with nearly 200 primary school children.

To find out more about these and other Law Week events and to book a place visit the Winchester Cathedral website or call 01962 857275.