Open air trial for Law Week open day

Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall will tomorrow fittingly host an open air trial of an enemy of the Queen, the Queen of Hearts that is, as part of the annual Law Week open day celebrations.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the mock trial of Alice, of Wonderland fame, was one of a myriad of legal and justice demonstrations and services that will be on show across the state tomorrow.

“Our justice and legal sector provides much more to the community than just court services and that’s what Law Week showcases,” Mr Bleijie said.

“This year’s theme is “We’re with you every step you take” and we are delivering on our commitment to Queenslanders to revitalise frontline services in a range of areas, including consumer protection, legal assistance, electrical safety, Justices of the Peace and Births, Deaths and Marriages.

“On top of a range of law reforms, the Government has increased assistance funding for victims of crime and vulnerable Queenslanders and modernised access to justice services.

“Earlier this week I was pleased to announce $100 million in funding for Legal Aid and community legal centres, which assist marginalised Queenslanders. These legal centres no longer have to live year to year, with funding now committed for the next three years.

“We have also modernised access to Queensland Justices of the Peace and historical Births, Deaths and Marriages records with new online resources.

“Tomorrow’s open day event features a packed program of free presentations, displays, entertainment, information and demonstrations.

“QUT students will perform the mock trial of Alice, assisted by a prosecutor from the Queensland Bar and a defence lawyer from Legal Aid.

“There will also be presentations on crime prevention, consumer rights, researching your family history and electrical safety at home, as well as Corrective Services and Police dog demonstrations.

“Regional areas will not miss out with students and lawyers pitting their legal skills against each other in moot courts in Redcliffe, Mackay, Cairns and Mareeba.”

For a full list of Queensland Law Week events go to www.lawweek.qld.gov.au, the Law Week Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LawWeekQueensland or follow @JusticeQLD on Twitter or @lawweekqld on Instagram.

[ENDS] 15 May 2014 

Media Contact: Ashley McDermid 0412 731 355 or Jaime Wells 0409 624 139