LAWS6115Criminal Trial Courts - Theory and Practice

Course handbook

Description

The course merges doctrinal legal education with the procedural and substantive work of the NSW State Criminal Trial Courts and legal practice. Using the NSW Local, District and Supreme Courts as an educational laboratory, the course brings the substance and procedures of the criminal trial courtroom into the classroom to promote the development of advanced and integrated understanding of how the criminal trial courts operate in practice. The course includes court observations and an integrative seminar program utilising collaborative arrangements with judicial officers and lawyers to synthesise theory and practice and bridging the gap between law and practice.

Availability

Not currently offered.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Synthesise theory and practice, substantive criminal law and procedure.

2. Use advanced legal research skills

3. Outline litigation procedures in State Criminal Courts

4. Demonstrate advanced written communication skills, including specific skills in writing motions and practice briefs.

5. Apply advanced problem solving skills

6. Define professional values and ethical responsibility

7. Effectively organise and manage legal work

Content

The content in this course includes the following topics:

1. Introduction to NSW State Courts
2. The Local Court of NSW - process and presentation of cases in the criminal jurisdiction
3. The District Court of NSW - process and presentation of cases in the criminal jurisdiction
4. The Drug Court of NSW - process and presentation of cases.
5. The Supreme Court of NSW - process and presentation of cases in the criminal jurisdiction

Assessment items

Role Play: Mock criminal trial

Professional Task: Practice Brief or Motion

Journal: Reflective Journal

Course outline

Course outline not yet available.