VCE Legal Studies Excursion

On our Legal Studies excursion, we visited the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court, where we observed real cases in session. It was eye-opening to see the legal system in action, especially cases involving family violence offences. Some of the accused individuals seemed nervous, while others appeared indifferent. Watching the magistrate deliver verdicts and decisions gave us a better understanding of how justice is applied at a local level.

After our time at the court, we enjoyed lunch, before walking to the Ballarat Town Hall, where we were given a tour of the historic building. The architecture and design were impressive, and we learned about the town hall’s long history. We also had the opportunity to meet the mayor, Cr Tracy Hargreaves, who spoke to us about local government and its role in the community. She then explained how decisions are made and how the council works to improve Ballarat.

As part of the excursion, we also held a debate on whether cats should be locked up all day. After discussing both sides, we decided that the current curfew from sunset to sunrise should remain in place, rather than enforcing an all-day restriction.

Overall, the excursion gave us insight into both the legal system and local government. Seeing real court cases made the law feel more relevant, and meeting the mayor showed us how local leaders influence our everyday lives. The experience was both educational and engaging, providing a deeper understanding of law and governance. We’d like to thank Miss Muirhead and Mr Gawne for organizing the excursion and taking us.