Francis Burt Law Education: Court Visits

The Francis Burt Law Education Programme groups participate in community legal education tours that may include:

an empty court activity – court room layout and court personnel;
observing a court in session (Supreme Court, District Court and Magistrates Court); and
scripted mock trials that are appropriate to the age of the group.

Our programmes are mapped to the Western Australian curriculum and are specifically tailored for Year 3-6 primary school, Year 7-12 high school, TAFE, university and community groups.

Professional development opportunities for teachers and other professions are also available.

Activity Options

Engage in an age-appropriate legal education activity in the Supreme Court or District Court. The layout of the court and the roles of the court personnel are explained. This activity is subject to the availability of an empty courtroom.

Approximately 20-30 minutes

Court in Session

Sit in the public gallery and view a Supreme Court, District Court Magistrates Court, or Federal Court in session. Provided there are proceedings in session, groups may view a criminal trial, pleas, or sentencing.

Approximately 30 minutes

Sit in the public gallery and view a Supreme Court, District Court Magistrates Court, or Federal Court in session. Provided there are proceedings in session, groups may view a criminal trial, pleas, or sentencing.

Approximately 30 minutes

Scripted Mock Trials

Be a judge or lawyer and wear real legal wigs and gowns in the Old Court House. Take the role of a juror, a witness or other court personnel and act out court protocol and procedures in a trial based on a historical or fictitious event. The Education Officer will take photos during the scripted mock trial, which are forwarded to the group leader.
Approximately 45-60 minutes

Alice in Court: The Queen of Hearts has accused Alice of disturbing the peace in Wonderland.

A Day in the Life of the Magistrates Court: A scripted recreation of a normal day in the life of the busy and bustling Magistrates Court.

The State of Western Australia v. Captain James HOOK: Charged with kidnapping Jack and Maggie Banning, who are Peter Pan’s children, the jury must decide if the accused is guilty or not guilty.

The State of Western Australia v. Jamie BROWN: A fictional character accused of arson resulting from a fire that caused extensive damage to the college that s/he attends.

The State of Western Australia v. John GAVEN: The true case of a 15-year-old boy, John Gaven, put on trial in the Old Court House in 1844 for murder.

The State of Western Australia v. Charlie WRIGHT: A fictional character accused of grievous bodily harm resulting from a one-punch incident outside a suburban party.

The State of Western Australia v. Audrey Campbell JACOB: The true case of a 20-year-old Western Australian woman put on trial for the murder of her fiancé, Cyril Gidley, after he was shot at the Government House Ballroom in 1925.