Experiential Learning – Mock Trial Competition

Santa Sabina hosted The MLC School Round 2 of the NSW Legal Association Mock Trial Competition on Thursday 22 May in the Santa Sabina Library. This competition is an experiential learning opportunity for Legal Studies students and provides students an authentic adversarial experience of the operations of the Australian Judicial System. The case in Round Two was investigating an accident in a major shopping center. The students who represented Santa Sabina from Year 11 were;

  • Eve Ardagna – Barrister No 1
  • Olivia Santangelo – Barrister No 2
  • Deanna Miloni – Solicitor
  • Zara Ishak – Magistrate’s Clerk
  • Kira Chemadakov – Emily Carter (Witness No 1)
  • Evelyn Little – Dr Sarah Lee (Witness No 2)

Thank you also to Eva Villarroel, Lila Ferko and Georgia Catalano who were reserves for this round of the competition. A huge thank you to the Santa Sabina coach Shirley Chan. A special acknowledgement and thank you to the presiding Magistrate Sally Partlin.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Student Reflections

For Round 2 of the Mock Trial competition, we defended the plaintiff, Emily Carter in a civil matter against Westfield Shopping centre following a slip and fall incident. Despite presenting a strong case to prove the balance of probabilities, the court ruled in favour of the defendant, further emphasising the difficulty of proving breach and causation in civil negligence matters. This round was a strong learning experience for the team in using evidence and witness examination.
Kira Chemodakov
Year 11

Our first civil case was an intense and rewarding experience that pushed us to think critically, strategise effectively, and work seamlessly as a team. From the outset, we fought hard, presenting our arguments with confidence and adapting to unexpected challenges with determination. The process deepened our understanding of legal procedures, courtroom dynamics, and the importance of clear and persuasive communication. Each member of the team contributed their unique strengths, creating a collaborative environment where we supported and relied on one another. The trial tested our ability to think on our feet, reinforcing the value of preparation and adaptability in legal advocacy. More than just a competition, it was an opportunity to refine our skills, strengthen our teamwork, and develop a greater appreciation for the complexities of civil law. This experience has cemented our passion for justice and will undoubtedly shape how we approach future cases, making us sharper, more resilient, and better equipped for the challenges ahead. 
Deanna Miloni
Year 11