By Aaron Cordy
STUDENTS pursuing VCE Legal Studies at Secondary Colleges across the region and beyond had the privilege of seeing the inner workings of everyday life at the Shepparton Court Precinct last May.
Organised by the Victorian Law Foundation, the two-day event included a range of presentations by senior members of the judiciary, practitioners and leaders of key legal bodies. Some of the presentations related directly to the Legal Studies curriculum, while others were aimed at improving the student’s understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities and the organisations that make up the framework of Victoria’s legal system.
There were students from Notre, St Annes, GVGS and GSSC, as well as students from as far as Echuca, Rochester, Wodonga and many schools in between for the two-day event. It was the second time Shepparton Law Courts hosted such an event for students and the first time since 2018. Twice a year the Victoria Law Foundation travels to a different regional location for the program aimed at helping students better understand the legal system.
The students had the opportunity to engage with Judge Geoffrey Chettle and court Registrars, and learn more about the jury system, the Victorian Law Reform Commission, young people’s rights at work, and Human Rights and the impact of the justice system on First Nations.
The event showed the many pathways and opportunities for young people interested in pursuing a career in the legal system, whilst touring the Shepparton Court Precinct.
