County Court of Victoria Excursion 

On 12th March, the Legal Students of 2026 went to the County Court of Victoria. Taking the overflowing trains, walking down the streets to the Court from Southern Cross Station. The security could only be described as airport security. Emptying pockets into trays that go through scanners, then walking through one yourself. 

We met our guide, who quickly briefed us on the etiquette. Phones MUST be switched off. Hushed tones once in the upper levels. Silence once in the courtroom and bowing to the judge when entering and exiting the room. 

We met Judge Sarah Leighfield, her associate and her tipstaff. Each sat down and explained their roles. The associate researching and handling the judge’s schedule and the tipstaff ensures that everything is set to the tone of the court. Judge Sarah Leighfield was very kind and open, reminding us that though she was dressed in ‘Harry Potter robes’, she was still a person first, then a judge second. 

She shared her journey. At first? Not even a thought to enter law, rather pure coincidence as a result of unplanned work experience in college that altered her entire career pathway from a marine biologist. 

After our questions, she left us with a final message. No connections, no high-class upbringings, but "with hard work, anything is possible.” 

After a short break, we went into the courtroom. It was an appeal case, where the accused was on a video call from prison for speeding (up to 160 kph in a 100 kph zone). Evidence was put forth, and both sides questioned and presented their own. Due to time, we left, staying silent and heading out one by one, bowing as we left. Our guide had explained that we were lucky since it had been quite similar to a trial case. She also explained that, unlike in movies,  language in court is kept very simple. Avoiding phrases such as “According to section ***, Act ****” because many accused persons come from low socioeconomic backgrounds and may not have finished their schooling. We headed down, took a couple of photos and thanked our guide as we left. 

After the court session, students had a snack and socialised for a while before heading back to Tarneit Station.

-Amirah Ali

Year 12  Legal Studies Student