Hundreds of Queenslanders to appear in court for Law Week

Hundreds of Queenslanders will appear in the State’s courts over the next week despite no criminal charges being laid against them, Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine said today.

Mr Shine said court tours were being offered to the public in Brisbane and five regional centres as part of Law Week celebrations (12 to 19 May).

“The majority of Queenslanders will never appear before our courts, but it is important for all Queenslanders to understand and appreciate how our justice system works,” Mr Shine said.

“Our courts play a leading role in making Queensland a safer, fairer place to live, but many people have never actually been inside them.”

“These tours are always popular because they give residents a chance to see the trappings of our justice system firsthand, from the judges’ bench, prisoners’ dock, witness stand and jury area to modern courtroom technology such as digital recording and video-conferencing.”

Mr Shine said the Brisbane Magistrates Court and courts at Townsville, Mackay, Gladstone, Hervey Bay and Warwick would offer courtroom tours for the public.

The open day at the Brisbane Magistrates Court, 363 George Street, will be held tomorrow (Saturday, 12 May) from 10am to 3pm. Court tours will be held from 10:15 to 2pm. Moot court hearings of fairytale characters from Jack and the Bean Stalk and Goldilocks will also be held. More information about the open day and Law Week activities are available at www.justice.qld.gov.au.

Regional public court tours:
-Townsville Magistrates Court from 14 May to 18 May at 9am;
-Mackay Courthouse from 14 May to 18 May at 3pm;
- Hervey Bay Courthouse on 19 May from 9:30am to 12 noon;
- Gladstone Courthouse from 14 May to 18 May 3pm to 4pm; and
- Warwick Courthouse on 15 May at 10am and 2pm.

11 May 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Mr Shine’s office) 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350 kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au