Mock Trial

The Mock Trial competition is sponsored by the Department of Justice and The Law Society of WA.  For many years, students from Guildford Grammar School have participated in this dynamic event with considerable success.  Year 11 and 12 students enter as a team comprised of 6 to 12 members.  They enact a mock trial which is a simulated court case based on the WA system contesting a fictitious legal matter.

The case is debated, maintaining an authenticity through the active participation of a member of the legal profession who acts as the team’s coach.  The coach advises on court procedure, presentation and preparation of case material. Guildford Grammar School has been fortunate to have the support of Mr William Meredith, an Old Guildfordian, as our coach.  Members of the legal profession adjudicate the trials, acting as either judge or magistrate, awarding points for understanding of the case, knowledge of court procedure and presentation.

The aim of the competition is to introduce students to the law by providing a better understanding of legal processes, the court system and those involved in its practice. It also provides students with an opportunity to learn valuable skills in research and the development and presentation of a persuasive argument.  In addition, team members gain strong communication skills, confidence in addressing an audience, increased behavioural confidence and the ability to take responsibility as a team member. 

Although each trial consists of 6 students, all team members are involved in the preparation and practice of the trial. The students take on the roles of Barrister 1 and 2, one instructing Solicitor, Witness 1 and 2, a court orderly or judge’s associate/magistrate’s clerk. The actual court case, which is held in the evening at the Central Law Courts, is set to run over a designated period of one week. The Grand Final is always held at the Supreme Court.  

Students must be cognizant of the mock trial rules, procedures and the skills which are assessed in each trial.  Each student with a role to play is assessed and given marks on performance.  There are three round-robin trials, before the elimination rounds.  Teams are provided with both the prosecution and defence sides of a civil or criminal case and are then allocated a particular case to perform.  After the round-robin trials, the top 16 scoring teams proceed to elimination rounds on a knock-out basis, until two teams remain to contest the Grand Final.  The winning team receives a trophy and cash prize.

Further Information
For further information on Mock Trial, please contact Natalie Shaw on 9377 9274 on nshaw@ggs.wa.edu.au