People in Hertfordshire are being invited to see the law in action at St Albans crown court on Saturday.

The aim of the day is to show how justice operates in the county and to take the mystery out of the legal process.

Visitors to the court in Bricket Road in the city will be able to sit on juries, discuss sentences, meet police and prison dogs and visit the cells.

Volunteers can sit on a jury panel in the mock trial of an armed bank robber which will heard before the court's judges. The trial will be run three times throughout the day.

In another court there will be a bail application, appeal and sentencing hearings. One mock case will involve a shooting at a night club by drug dealer. The judge will have to decide whether he is what is known as a dangerous offender. The public will be invited to make their views known in a discussion with a lawyer.

Judge Michael Baker QC, the police and probation trust will explain the Choices and Consequences Programme, which involves rehabilitating persistent criminals. It aims to reduce crime by getting offenders off drugs.

Senior Crown Prosecution Barrister Peter Shaw will give a presentation on knife crime. Barrister Will Noble will explain how a career in the law can be pursued, what goes on behind the scenes and answers the question: 'How do you defend a person you believe to be guilty?'

There are presentations on Cyber Crime, the role of Special Constables and what it is like to be a witness.

Another court will be used by magistrates for a mock trial, bail and sentencing hearings. The work of a magistrate will be explained and visitors will learn how they can become one.

Police and prison dogs are giving demonstrations. Some can detect drugs and even mobile phones that are smuggled into jails.

There will be visits to the cells and the chance to sit in a prison van, along with demonstrations of fingerprinting and electronic tagging.

Activities for children will include a quiz sheet and an exhibits' game.

There will be exhibitions from the Crown Prosecution Service, Witness Service, Hertfordshire University School of Law and Hertfordshire Magistrates who are celebrating their 650th anniversary.

The Prison Service will display riot gear, handcuffs and weapons.

The day is being attended by Lord McNally the Minister of State for Justice and will be opened by the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Lord Charles Cecil.

The resident judge Andrew Bright QC and Lord McNally will answer questions on how the Judiciary are appointed and on trial and sentencing processes.

Judge Bright said: "The purpose of the event is to allow you to see at first hand how the justice system operates, to demystify the work of the courts and to invite you to take part in the day's events. I hope that this will give you a much clearer insight into the administration of justice and that you will also have an enjoyable day out."

The open day is on Saturday between 10am and 3pm.