Legal Studies Excursion

Recently, ten students from Year 11 Legal Studies accompanied Mrs Anthony to participate in The Law Society of NSW’s Young Justice Program. The day started at the Supreme Court of NSW with an introduction from Magistrate Elizabeth Ellis, of Wyong Local Court. As one of eight children, she opened up about her childhood and the importance of education in her family, hence her excelled legal career.

As young women interested in further education in law, Magistrate Ellis’ transparency and vulnerability resonated with each of us and has inspired us to never give up on our dreams. After this, we attended a legal careers Q&A panel composed of three high profile lawyers. Each of them outlined their own personal nonlinear journey which led them to the legal profession. Their journeys varied from changes in courses of study to switched career paths and even those who stumbled into unexpected aspects of law which they thoroughly enjoyed. We then heard a legal literacy presentation from legal Clerk Jackie Charles, who explained the complexity of law. This included discussing the importance of law reform, providing specific examples of outdated or irrelevant laws, such as the law that exists in Western Australia stating it is an offence to possess 50kgs of potatoes.

To end the day we broke into two groups, representing the prosecution and the defence. We were presented with a mock criminal case, which had been heard in the local court, and worked closely with Solicitor Rebecca Thoms-Packer to establish a suitable sentence according to the variables of the crime. This allowed us to practically apply all the knowledge and skills we had learned during the day, as well as develop our teamwork, communication and critical thinking skills in a legal environment.

We are all extremely grateful for the opportunities given to us throughout our day at the Young Justice Program, especially being able to hear from many independent and successful women conquering their fields. We would like to thank Dr Ireland for supporting our participation on this insightful excursion.

Jacinta Fitzgerald, Year 11 Student

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