Before a defendant reaches the dock of the courtroom, there is a complex operation involving transport drivers, custody officers and multiple agencies to get them there.

In this episode, Josie goes behind the scenes at Manchester Magistrates Court, spending a day with dedicated GeoAmey staff to see first hand what it takes to move thousands of people safely through the justice system every week.

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For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS

Did you know you have the right to use Welsh in any court or tribunal in England and Wales?

In this episode of Inside HMCTS, we're joined by Hywel, Caren and Mari from the Welsh Language Unit to explore the support available, from dedicated helplines and translation services to in-court interpreters and why being able to speak your first language can make all the difference during life's most difficult moments.

To listen to this episode in Welsh, please visit - Inside HMCTS, from Monday 2 March.

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For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS

What does it take to sit on the bench and deliver justice?

Less than you might think. Nick balances his work as a driving instructor with 17 years of volunteering as a magistrate in Sheffield and he says it's one of the most rewarding things he's ever done.

In this episode of Inside HMCTS, he walks us through the reality of the role, working as a team, supported by a legal adviser and making decisions that genuinely improve lives.

He shares how his employers have supported him, the skills he's brought back to his day job, and why anyone aged 18-74 should consider applying.

For more information visit: icanbeamagistrate.co.uk

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For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS

Go behind the scenes of one of our most widely used services in this episode of Inside HMCTS, where divorce experts Kimberley and Sarah share their insider knowledge.

Discover how the divorce process really works, from gathering your documents to receiving your final order and learn the common mistakes that can delay your application.

Through practical advice and myth-busting, this episode reveals how we support people through what can be a challenging time, making the journey a little smoother when it matters most.

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For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS

What goes into creating a modern courthouse?

From Blackpool's new courthouse to London's state-of-the-art City of London law courts on Fleet Street, explore the major developments transforming justice facilities across England and Wales.

Discover accessibility features like changing places and wheelchair-accessible cells, the regeneration of Salisbury Square, and the conversion of 7 Newgate Street into a world-leading 30-hearing-room tribunal centre.

Plus, hear how £148 million is tackling leaking roofs and ageing heating systems from Nottingham Crown Court to Birmingham, making our buildings fit for purpose.

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For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS

Go behind the scenes at Northampton Crown Court in this episode of Inside HMCTS, where a high-profile murder trial faced extraordinary logistical and human challenges.

Discover how a team of justice colleagues, including HMCTS teams, police, and healthcare professionals overcame a previously inaccessible building, complex medical needs, and intense media scrutiny to ensure justice was served.

Through creative problem-solving and collaboration, the episode reveals how fairness and dignity can prevail even when the odds seem impossible.

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For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS

What if your first encounter with the justice system was inside a real courtroom, not as a spectator, but as a lawyer, magistrate or legal adviser?

This episode explores the Magistrates' Mock Trial Scheme, a partnership between HMCTS and Young Citizens that brings authentic courtroom experiences to thousands of 12 – 14-year-olds across the UK.

We speak with Josh Shipp, Head of Operations at HMCTS, and Akasa Pradhan, Senior Education Manager at Young Citizens to hear how mock trials are building confidence, breaking down misconceptions and helping young people see the justice system not as something distant, but as something they can be part of.

We also hear from students Annabel and Benjamin from Hazelwick School in West Sussex and Adele from Bishopston Comprehensive School who took part in the recent London regional final as well as volunteers like Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State who give their time to make it happen.

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For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS

We take you behind the scenes of Common Platform — a single digital case management system developed to bring together the police, Crown Prosecution Service, prisons, legal professionals, and the judiciary on one shared platform.

We delve into how this ambitious digital transformation is improving access to information, enhancing collaboration, and streamlining court processes. From reducing delays to empowering legal teams with real-time updates, Common Platform is reshaping how justice is delivered — making it more efficient, transparent, and joined-up than ever before.

Through interviews with users, this episode uncovers the impact of the platform and what it means for the future of criminal justice.

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For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS