Legal Studies

On Thursday 26 March, the Year 11 and 12 Legal Studies students attended the 2026 Metro Law Talks at the County Court of Victoria. Presented by the Victoria Law Foundation, the program aims to provide students with an invaluable practical insight into how the legal system functions in Victoria, the roles and responsibilities of key participants in the system and the organisations comprising our judicial system.

Our day commenced in the Supreme Court where we observed the trial of an individual on trial for one count of murder and one count of attempted murder. Whilst observing the trial, Justice Tinney explained some key points of law to the students and we watched a witness give evidence with the assistance of an interpreter. This was a really fascinating experience for us. To her students delight, Ms. Archibald then used this exact Murder case on the Year 11’s VCE SAC the next day! 

Following this, we enjoyed a brief tour of the Supreme Court and the Law Library which is a wonderful and historic building.

Following a delicious lunch, we attended the Metro Law Talks. Our presenters included the Honourable Judge Peter Rozen, the Deputy Juries Commissioner, Laurie Humbold, solicitors and barristers and finally Rob Hulls, the former Attorney General for the state of Victoria. 

During these presentations, our students had the opportunity to ask a very diverse range of questions of these highly experienced and informed individuals. In addition to this, some of our students sat on a mock jury, briefly deliberated on a case and then returned a verdict on said case. Students gained considerable insight into past and contemporary injustices endured by the Indigenous and the reasoning behind the formation of courts such as the Koori and Drug Courts.

This was an extremely worthwhile learning experience for our Legal Studies students because it afforded them an enhanced appreciation of the practical application of our legal system. To obtain an understanding of the thought processes of our presenters constituted an excellent learning experience

Thanks to our students for the mature and impressive manner in which they conducted themselves and to Ms. Archibald for helping me to supervise our students.