HUMANITIES

On Wednesday 16th March the Year 11 Year 12 Legal Studies classes were treated to an online Zoom session with Justice Tinney of the Supreme Court of Victoria. Justice Tinney was highly engaging, entertaining and shared wonderful insights into the Supreme Court and the role of a judge. He even took us on a virtual "behind the scenes" tour of the Supreme Court from inside his chambers, through the library and to Court Room 12. It was a wonderful experience for the students who found Justice Tinney both relatable and inspiring! Our student reflections below are testament to the how valuable the students found this experience. 

Paula Howard

Key Learning Area Leader- The Humanities

VCE Legal Studies Teacher 

Speaking to Justice Tinney was an engaging and interesting experience. We got to learn valuable, insider information about the Victorian justice system and get a once in a lifetime, justice-lead tour of the Supreme Court of Victoria, where Justice Tinney got locked in a room!! Justice Tinney walked us through his daily schedule, consisting of a walk with the dogs, court cases, and best of all, the footy. He explained to us how the courts/ he himself can and has adapted to different circumstances that may arise such as COVID19. 

He also shared the story of his journey of becoming a judge; initially interested in medicine and pursuing a Bachelor of Science, to being selected to be a supreme court justice in 2018. With that, Justice Tinney offered some sound advice, reassuring us that we are not determined by our year 12 results and should not place pressure on ourselves to achieve high standards all the time; rather, we should achieve our own personal best and be happy with our efforts. 

 Nadhira & Jenni- of the Year 12 legal cohort. 

We were fortunate enough to engage in a zoom call with Justice Andrew Tinney, from the Supreme Court. It was an amazing experience as he informed us on what is required of him when sentencing, how trials play out, and his day-to-day routine. We were also given a tour of the Supreme Court, his office, and the library. It was super engaging as we learnt that Judges are regular people, who have foreseen many cases and have become experts at what they do. It was really entertaining as Justice Tinney himself was a funny guy. Even when he accidently locked himself in the library. It was super beneficial as we were able to fully envision a trial in court when we were given a tour and explanation of one of the courts. It was truly enlightening and inspiring to meet someone who has made life impacting decisions on cases that we’ve seen all over the news. It allowed us to start dreaming about the possibilities that have been created in those courts, and the possibility that we ourselves will work there one day too.

Rasha - Year 11 Legal Studies