On Thursday 25 June the two Mock Trial teams took on a very strong and skilled Willetton SHS in the third round of the competition. This is the last open round so team “Themis” ended their run with an exciting win 115 to 113. Our unbeaten team “The Dennis Denutoes” won 125.5 to 115.5 and now await news about finals. Jayden Pham in cross-examination demonstrated the ‘staircase’ technique perfectly, leaving the witness with nowhere to go. Eleni Chapman as Barrister 2 was clear and articulate, and both barristers used excellent vocabulary and legal language. All witnesses had excellent recall and followed our Coach’s advice to ‘never give an inch’. Our solicitors wrote many notes to assist the barristers. First time Court Orderly, Ethan Lim, and Judge’s Associate, Ziva de Longis, did their roles with care and poise, and these were important contributions to the overall points results.

The top 16 teams from the competition will progress next term. This round involved a civil case about a contested will, disputed by a de facto and her late partner’s family. Each team also won the verdict in their favour, indicating excellent advocacy by the team. Due to an event clash we had to enter the rear of the court building and were sequestered in Court rooms 6 and 7 – the students found this funny!

Thank you to all the supporters both at court and along the journey – it has been a semester of meetings, strategy, teamwork, dedication and determination. We are very proud of both of our teams.

We are also very fortunate to have such a wonderful legal Coach Hon John McKechnie KC AO to share his wisdom and guide the students. I would like to thank Mr Dhue for his efforts so far, as he continues with the team in my absence next term.

Stayed tuned, news about finals is coming soon…

Ms Clark & Mr Dhue
Humanities Teachers