PEOPLE do not often have a chance to question a judge's decision, but the public were invited to do just that on Saturday.

Teesside Magistrates' Court held an open day to give people the chance to learn about what they do and consider taking up a career within the justice system.

Staff played prisoners, solicitors and clerks with magistrates sitting on the bench.

Mock trials in youth and adult courts were acted out and the public were asked what their decision would be in various cases.

Legal advisor Alison Conning, who helped organise the event, said: "Most actually agreed with the decision taken by the judges.

"Many people will never go to court in their life and it is good for them to get a flavour of what we do and the different aspects of each case that we have to consider.

"We are a public service and the judges who pass sentence are ordinary people so it good that we are as open as possible."

As well as the mock trials, there were also stands with information about possible careers, tours of the cells and question-and-answer sessions.