Byron Bay High are Mock Trial champions

Byron Bay High School’s Mock Trial team achieved a rare trifecta as their debut as a formidable legal team in the Southern Cross University (SCU) Mock Trial competition. 

Firstly, the team successfully proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt, secondly, they were declared the points victors for their courtroom performances, and finally, they were declared overall winners in the entire Mock Trial competition, with the equal highest points score.

Byron Bay High’s Mock Trial team was composed of two barristers – Kai and Coco, two witnesses – Rose and Zara, and Ben as the court officer, who appeared for the prosecution in a case involving the prosecution of a blueberry farm owner for criminal negligence occasioning grievous bodily harm. 

The students successfully proved their case, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the negligent actions and omissions of the farm owner had caused a fruit-picking customer to be bitten and seriously injured by an eastern brown snake.

High priase

The judge in the Mock Trial case had the highest praise for the opening and closing addresses of Byron Bay High’s barristers stating that the standard of legal argument they presented was equivalent to the best Gold Coast Mock Trial team. The judge also praised the performance of the team’s witnesses, as well as the skill of the barristers in their questioning of the witnesses from the opposite team under cross examination.

Byron Bay High School Legal Studies teacher said that the school was extremely proud of their team’s performance. He added that a number of students in the team aim to be future solicitors and barristers. The Mock Trial competition has given these students an unparalleled opportunity to develop and practice their legal skills in a courtroom setting and greatly inspired them in pursuing a future in the law.