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What if you could step inside a real criminal investigation and uncover what happened?

Criminal Investigation Day: One Punch focuses on the story of 19-year-old Jacob Dunne, who punched James Hodgkinson, aged 28, during a confrontation in Nottingham, resulting in James’ death. What followed raises challenging questions about criminal responsibility, punishment, rehabilitation and what justice really means.

Designed for sixth form students interested in law, criminology, policing, psychology or the justice system, our Criminal Investigation Day puts you at the centre of the investigation. As evidence is revealed, you'll work with others to question what happened, consider the law and become involved in decisions about what should happen next. Joining the event can be a great addition to your Personal Statement preparation.

You don't need to be studying Law or have any previous legal knowledge; we’ll provide everything you need to know. Just bring your curiosity and be ready to look at the evidence from different perspectives.

What will we cover?

First, we'll set the scene and piece together what happened on the night that changed several lives forever. As the investigation unfolds, you'll:

• Explore different types of evidence, including witness testimony, CCTV, phone records and medical evidence
• Build a timeline and test different theories about what happened
• Explore how the law distinguishes between murder and manslaughter, and how sentencing decisions are made
• Step into the shoes of the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether there is enough evidence to bring a charge and what the prosecution needs to prove
• Think like a Crown Court Judge when discussing charging, sentencing and the consequences of different decisions
• Discover what justice can mean after a case reaches court, including restorative justice and whether justice can mean more than punishment

Throughout the session, new information will be revealed that may make you question your original conclusions.

How can I prepare?

You don't need to revise. If you want to do a little preparation, spend a few minutes looking up:

• What is murder?
• What is manslaughter?
• What is self-defence?
• What does a court consider when deciding a sentence?

You don't need to memorise anything – the aim is simply to arrive with a few questions in mind.

You may find lots of information about the case online but try not to read everything. Avoid detailed case summaries, documentaries or anything that gives away the full story.

The less you know, the more you get to investigate.

Come ready to question the evidence, challenge your assumptions and see where the investigation takes you.