From the Classroom to the Courtroom

October 31, 2024

The Mock Trial competition in Western Australia is a prestigious event that brings together high school students from across the state, giving them a hands-on experience of the legal world. Organised by the Law Society of Western Australia, this competition allows students from across 120 schools to step into the shoes of legal practitioners, immersing them in the roles of barristers, solicitors, witnesses, and court staff.

This year, Santa Maria College proudly fielded two teams in the competition: one from Year 11 and another from Year 12. Both teams took on a series of challenging simulated court cases throughout the year, sharpening their legal skills with every round. Our Year 12 team excelled, advancing through six rounds to reach the grand final. This final round was a truly remarkable experience, as they presented a criminal case before the Honourable Chief Justice Quinlan at the Supreme Court of Western Australia. Their hard work and dedication earned them the runner-up position in the 2024 competition—a tremendous achievement and a testament to their commitment.

Before each round, teams receive a set of Case Materials from the Law Society. These materials include a summary of the law relevant to the case, a breakdown of the issues in dispute, and witness statements to guide their preparations. Teams are also informed whether they will be representing the prosecution or the defence. With this foundation, students then dive into building their arguments, studying the intricacies of the law, and developing strategies to effectively present their side of the case.

Each round takes place in a strict, formal courtroom setting, offering students a real-world feel of courtroom dynamics. This experience not only builds their legal knowledge but also sharpens critical skills in public speaking, teamwork, and logical reasoning. The Mock Trial competition is an inspiring journey that fosters a deep appreciation for the legal system and builds essential life skills, making it a transformative experience for all who students participate.

Congratulations to both of our teams, especially our Year 12 team, for their outstanding efforts in 2024! We have no doubt there are some future lawyers among them.

competitions, CourtExperience, CriticalThinking, Featured, LawSociety, LegalStudies, Mock Trials, Year12

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.