Legal Studies

Magistrate's Court

On Tuesday, May 14, 2019, the two Unit 1/2 Legal Studies classes visited the Magistrate’s Court in Melbourne. This excursion was designed to further develop our understandings of the criminal law and the justice system, through one of the busiest courts in Melbourne. 

The court had a very high level of security and each student had to undergo security checks in order to enter. The atmosphere of the court, as well as the courtroom itself, was formal and serious. The procedures in order to enter and exit the courtroom was organised and showed a sense of formality and respectability. That the courts has a criminal jurisdiction of hearing ‘summary offences’ and the absence of a jury provides a faster and more efficient process.

Throughout the day, I was introduced to a wide range of criminal offences. Such offences included a case of theft, bail applications, driving while suspended and an indictable offence heard summarily. For example, one of the accused men appeared in court for a bail application after he was charged with aggravated driving offences, damage to an emergency vehicle, and risk of exposure of an emergency vehicle with other prior convictions. He was shown to be a danger to the community and was refused bail, as he was likely to re-offend.

Having this first-hand experience, which cannot be learned through a textbook, enabled me to further my knowledge and highlighted my interest in the criminal justice system.

Zachary Biondo

Year 11