On Thursday 20th July students representing RPCS travelled to Emmaus Catholic College for Round 4 of the NSW Law Society Mock Trial competition. The students were: Year 11 James Azzi, Wilfred Fung, Andrew Huynh, Kimberley Santos and Year 10 Montanna House, Anna Costa Lopes.
Anna and Montanna were outstanding in their roles as prosecution witnesses. The girls had learned their scripts well and superbly dealt with cross-examination by the prosecution barristers as well as unanticipated questioning by the magistrate. The marks achieved by these two girls (79/80) were a deserved recognition of their excellent performance. Andrew and Kimberley were effective as barristers in questioning Anna and Montanna, and in cross examining the prosecution witnesses. It has been a highlight of the competition to see Andrew continue to develop in confidence and acquire the ability to ‘fire up’ when required. Kimberley’s humble and controlled approach was highlighted in closing remarks by the magistrate as a strength that contrasts with the tendency of students to go over the top in haranguing witnesses a la Hollywood crime dramas.
The barristers were capably supported by James who acted in the capacity of solicitor giving advice for their questioning, and by Wilfred who again did a fine job in assisting the magistrate with the administrative aspects of the case. I would again like to thank the students for their enthusiasm in preparing so well for the trial, and for their willingness to sacrifice time during their holidays to participate.
Despite ‘losing’ the trial, in that our defendant was found to be liable for negligence and required to compensate the plaintiff, our team was successful and was judged to be the best team on the day. This came as quite a shock to the students who had thoroughly underestimated their achievement. It is likely that this victory will see the team continue on to the first elimination round in the next month. It is hoped that they will gain further opportunities to showcase their talents and to continue to demonstrate the humble spirit in which they approached and conquered this most recent challenge.
Mr B Forster & Mr M Hammonds
