No, not the driving of Mr. Cheal on the way! The Unit 3 Legal Studies students awoke before the birds to head down to a ‘Day in Court’, literally, on Friday 11th May. Following some ‘Top Gear’ driving and maneuvering into a parking space we were treated to a fascinating morning in the Supreme Court before, initially Justice Harper for some fascinating personal time, and then in a murder case before presiding Justice Emmerton. The case R.v Wajibi involved the charge of ‘incitement to murder’ whereby the accused had enlisted the help of a ‘hitman’ for $15000 to kill the boyfriend of his promised wife (it was to be an arranged marriage). The accused had pleaded ‘guilty’ so we heard a plea hearing where the defence tried to minimize the sentence Justice Emmerton applied. Fascinating stuff and so much better than all that CSI American TV!
In the afternoon, the students took part in a scripted mock court at the ‘Crime and Justice Experience’ in the old City Magistrates Court. Judge John Arnott-Vincent presided with Tipstaff Teagan Masterton assisting. SC Bethany Young prosecuted and SC Joel Shillinglaw was defending culpable driver Kim Tran(Daniel Ottrey) with all students playing other legal roles. The students not only showed the benefit of their legal experiences but took part in a compelling discussion about the possible sentence at the conclusion of the plea hearing, impressing the facilitator hugely.
Following a role play City Watchhouse experience we headed home, a tired group, but with plenty to contemplate, both legally and warily, as the spectre of the consequences of culpable driving hung over us all following our fascinating day. Hopefully we gained a little more insight into our legal system and the huge responsibility that comes with driving!!
Clearly, Amy had a cullinary treat at lunchtime too, choosing good ol’ Maccas over the more than two dozen cultural delights that were available.
We should be both proud and impressed with the intelligent input of our students, though their ‘power shopping’ over the lunch break was singularly disappointing! Stewart Cheal
