On Wednesday 11 March at the Supreme Court of Western Australia, the Swan Christian College Mock Trial team (‘Mock On’) faced off against a team from Hale School (‘The Hale Executioners’).
‘Mock On’ acted as the prosecution team in a trial that dealt with a case relating to a dangerous driving incident. Our witnesses (Year 11 students Briannon and Macenzie) were both very capable performers, who diligently learned the background to their characters, and were able to contend with both the examination-in-chief and cross-examination components confidently.
Year 11 students Cooper B and Leighton led the prosecution’s case, and both acted with confidence and poise as our barristers. They were ably supported by the team’s solicitor, Year 11 student Eva. As a team, the barristers and solicitor were able to undertake incisive cross-examinations, and respond competently to unforeseen questions from the judge. Year 11 student Bernadette did an excellent job as the busy Court Orderly – the judge was impressed with her efficiency, accuracy, and confident swearing-in of witnesses.
Whilst ‘Mock On’ lost against ‘The Hale Executioners’ by only two points in the scoring rubric, they successfully convicted the accused and won their case. The team should be very proud of their success as first time Year 11 students in this competition against formidable and experienced competition! The support provided by the Reserves (Year 12 students Aakash and Chloe N, and Year 11 student Faith) was excellent with each one of them contributing to the team’s overall success.
Thanks also goes to our team’s coaches (Ms Chanel Dimascio, Dr Kim Cartwright and Mr Kenyon Lee) who have been an invaluable source of experience and knowledge for our students to draw on.
Unfortunately, the competition has been cancelled until further notice in light of the COVID-19 situation. We await further communication from the Law Society of WA as to when/if the competition will resume for 2020.
Mr Lachlan Wilson
HASS teacher