Have you ever wondered how much truth there was reflected in your favourite court room drama? How accurate is your favourite crime series in depicting the way the criminal justice system works? If you have, then this free course is for you.

You will be looking at some of the biggest myths around criminal law and criminal courts to see how accurate a picture they are painting. You will see whether it is true that all criminal cases are tried by jury and whether convicted criminals are really let off without prison sentences. Just don’t expect any gavels!

This OpenLearn course is an adapted extract from the Open University course W111 Criminal law and the courts.