InBrief

In 2010 the� Interschool Mock Trial Competition will celebrate its 29th year. Robyn Cross, the programme coordinator, is keen to hear from any practitioners who have had experience with the programme over the years, particularly anyone who might have been a student who participated in the trials. She would value any comments on how the competition can be improved, and the role the mock trials may have played in nurturing a desire to become a lawyer. In October this year, barristers will be asked to volunteer their time to assist the competition either as a coach or judge.�

The Interschool Mock Trial Competition started in 1981 and was intended to foster an� understanding of legal principles in high school students. Twenty eight schools in NSW� participated in the first year. The competition has grown and now 260 schools in NSW and ACT compete each year.� Typically, the trials are keenly fought and strongly supported by staff and parents. In 1999 it was expanded to include an international competition with UK. The trials were held via video conference facilities provided by the Department of Education and Training.� In 2009 Penrith High School competed in the first international trial against Hangdong School in Korea. It is planned to expand this competition to other Asian countries.�

David Thiering a barrister who has acted as a magistrate in the competition for many years, and also judged a Grand Final says:

_I firmly believe that the programme has, over many years, been a nursery for lawyers, encouraging high school students to develop an interest in law as a career� and which has been the starting point for academic and professional satisfaction for many who now practice.

The fact that all schools can participate and that in practice it is not restricted to affluent or city based schools, opens up the possibility of being a lawyer to many children from families with no culture of university study or idea of a professional career. Those responsible are to be congratulated and I only hope the competition continues to grow for many years to come._

If you can assist, please contact Robyn Cross at rnc@lawsoc.nsw.asn.au or David Thiering at thiering@bigpond.net.au

19 August 2009