Year 11 and 12 Legal Studies students participated in an excursion to the Downing Centre Local and District Courts on Tuesday, 13th June. The students had the privilege of being addressed by Magistrate Swain who was able to explain various procedures of court & her own experiences within the legal profession. For most of the day the students were able to sit in the gallery of various courts and witness the proceedings of interesting cases. These cases varied from very short sentencing appeals to serious criminal matters that will not be finalised for weeks to come. Students were able to see first hand the theoretical court proceedings they have learnt about in Legal Studies classes and understand the various roles of the personnel involved, including magistrates, judges, barristers, lawyers, witnesses & juries. All students displayed excellent courtroom etiquette, which allowed the day to run smoothly. Thank you to Mr Forster, Mr Hammonds & Mrs Moore for accompanying the students.
