Year 12 Political & Legal Studies students visit the Supreme Court and Parliament House

During the first semester Years 11 and 12 Political and Legal students went on an excursion to the courts and Parliament House. There were just over 30 of us so we took two buses into the city with Mrs Harris and Mr Langley in the morning and we then met up with, and were guided by a member of the Francis Burt Law Society.

The Year 12s were taken to the Supreme Court, the second highest court in Australia, and watched medical and police evidence being presented by witnesses and barristers. It was a criminal case and thus had the State as the prosecution. The defendant was accused of the one punch killing of a man outside a kebab shop in Mandurah. The Year 11s were taken to the district court and also took part in a role play of the empanelling of jury members.

We then had our lunch break and all went our different ways to get food in the city and met back at Parliament House. We were then given a tour and after went to watch Question Time where many of our top state politicians, such as the then opposition leader, Troy Buswell and Labor treasurer, Eric Ripper were answering questions without notice.

We were then able to ask and answer questions of our guide and teachers and given a snack before we walked back to the bus and rode home.

Tayu Wilker, Year 12

Year 11 Political & Legal Studies students visit the Francis Burt Law Education Centre and District Court

Year 11s at the District Court, taking part in a role play of the empanelling of jury members.