Humanities News

Term 2 has seen a lot happening in the Humanities Department. As part of their studies, Legal Studies students in Year 11 have visited both the District and Supreme Court and students in Year 10 have taken part in a ‘Crime Scene Investigation’ at the College. Both activities have provided students with valuable opportunities to apply to extend what happens in the classroom. Year 9students also attended the first part of this incursion wherein they gained valuable insight into the work completed by Police Officers and what they have to do on a daily basis. 

Year 11 Legal Studies – The Supreme Court

Visiting the Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law (District and Supreme), this excursion is part of the Senior Legal studies Program. It is undertaken with the intention of extending the boys’ knowledge and understanding of the legal system, including the roles of the personnel, the functions of the court and the process of sentencing. During the day, the boys participated in courtroom observations, a research lesson and a talk from President Sofronoff.

On Thursday 5 May, our Year 11 Legal Class visited the District and Supreme Courts and got an amazing insight into the daily proceedings of trials and sentencing. We started with an interesting discussion with the President of the Court of Appeal – His Honour Walter Sofronoff about his experience working as both a barrister, and a Judge, and what he has learnt throughout the years. We then watched several criminal cases in the courtrooms and got to see the different roles of people in the court, and how legal decisions are communicated and reached. Finally, we were given a tour around a treasure trove of legal academia: from reports to journals to case law to encyclopedias, all found in Queensland Law library. A special thank you to all the staff for showing us around, as well as Ms Franklin and Ms Taylor for facilitating the excursion. 

Archie Bathe, Year 11 Legal Studies

Year 10 Legal Studies – Crime Scene Investigation 

The incursion was a new addition to the Legal Studies program and organised around the boys’ Term Two Unit, The Criminal Investigation Process. The afternoon began with Constable Daniel Cranitch (an MCA Old Boy) and Inspector Mick Ackery (Father of one of our current MCA Legal Studies students) introducing themselves, their backgrounds, and their path to the Police Force to the boys. This provided valuable insight for both the Year Nine and Ten boys into the work Police Officers have done and do on a daily basis. When the Year Nine students headed back to class, the Year Ten boys inspected a ‘crime scene’ at the school canteen. Here, they saw how to assess a potential crime scene; interview a ‘witness’; discuss different types and aspects of evidence; and ask questions relating to criminal law and the criminal investigation process.

Friday’s incursion was an enjoyable and insightful experience. We were introduced to life as a police officer and the procedures which they perform during an investigation, with Constable Dan Cranitch taking us through his involvement in his first 18 months in the force, while Inspector Mick Ackery entertained us with stories from almost 30 years’ experience in law enforcement Inspector Ackery then brought us through an investigation of our own, based on ‘real’ events that unfolded at the school tuckshop. We had to decipher evidence on the scene, listen to witness interviews, and conclude who committed the crime. We all took valuable advice and information away from this opportunity presented to us and will use this incursion to further our understanding of the legal system.

Adam Burnell, Year 10 Legal Studies

The incursion was a rewarding experience. It was fascinating to hear some of the experiences from real life that police officers have. It provided us with a glimpse into some of the everyday lives of police and how a typical day for them is never normal. During our crime scene investigation, we learned a variety of skills, including how to question a witness, analyse evidence, and understand some of the obligations and procedures that police must follow. It was made even better when the suspects of our fake crime scene turned out to be students at the school. Overall, it was a fantastic day.

Dominic Forbes, Year 10 Legal Studies