Law Day Out

Through this experience, students will:

• hear from a security officer about the process of entering a court and what to specifically expect when you arrive at court;
• hear from a judicial about their experience working in the legal system; and
• visit court rooms, and see who sits where and what the various roles involve and how a real case plays out in court.

Groups are currently limited to observations in the Local Courts at the Downing Centre due to the remaining jury bubble in the District Court and court-imposed limits on what matters students can attend. Local Courts are busy and cover a wide range of matters that address the syllabus points in the Crime unit that students are currently studying. Students will not attend any matters involving children or that are of a sexual nature. Students may see some civil matters in amongst criminal matters. This is a valuable learning experience for students as citizens, and more specifically for those who will go on to have a career anywhere in the justice system. The aim of this experience is to create knowledge of and respect for the legal system in operation and to see the rule of law in action. Students will have to complete an activity booklet on the day of the excursion to record their observations and write down important information that they learn on the day.

NOTE: IF YOUR CHILD DOES NOT CONTINUE WITH LEGAL STUDIES FOR THEIR HSC AND DROPS THE SUBJECT IN TERM 4 2024 THEY WILL NO LONGER BE ELLIGABLE TO ATTEND. 
 
Security

When students enter a court building that has security checking, they will be required to place all of their belongings on the baggage scanner. They will need to go through a walk-through metal detector and may also be scanned with a hand-held metal detector. Temporary and random scanning operations are held from time to time in courts without permanent screening points. Students may also be required to undergo a personal search and remove face coverings for identification purposes. The Court Security Act 2005 provides for security of courts and powers of Security Officers. Not complying with lawful directions given by a security officer under this Act may be an offence. Threats, including comments made about carrying weapons or explosives or intentions to cause damage or harm, will be taken seriously and entry to the building may be refused. Police may also be called. 

Unauthorised Items

Items that cannot be brought into court premises include weapons, things that could be used as weapons or that could conceal weapons. It is an offence to bring firearms, knives and prohibited weapons into court premises. Knives and other weapons will be confiscated and handed to police. Security Officers may hold other items, which are not authorised, until students leave the premises. These include:

• tools
  
• scissors/other sharp items
  
• motorcycle helmets
  
• syringes, which students do not have medical authority to use
  
• aerosol cans 
  

In the case that students have items confiscated, it is not the responsibility of the school if students do not receive those items back.

Mobile Phones

On the day of the excursion students will be permitted to use their mobile phones in case of an emergency. However, they will not be permitted to use their phones in the court rooms. It is an offence to take photographs or to use audio recording devices in courtrooms and court premises, if anyone is suspected of photographing or recording proceedings, they may be asked to leave or be arrested. Phones must be switched off before students enter courtrooms. 
 
Etiquette
Students should:

• bow when entering/leaving the court room

• turn off mobile phones 

• not eat or drink

• sit quietly

• not interrupt proceedings

• not take photographs

• not make audio recordings of proceedings

• not speak to or approach any member of the jury

• call judges or magistrates 'your honour' when you address them

Students are to meet Mrs Boland at St Mary's train station. Students will be dismissed upon their return to the train station in the afternoon.