Sunshine Coast Residents Get Their Day in Court
Published Tuesday, 13 May, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Local fans of television courtroom dramas like Boston Legal and The Practice will be able to get a taste of the real thing this Wednesday when the Maroochydore Courthouse throws open its doors to the public in celebration of Law Week 2008.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said vicitors would be able to stand in the prisoners’ dock without being charged, inspect the jury room without being empanelled and sit in the witness box without being cross-examined.
“Fair and open justice is a pillar of our democracy, but many people have never seen the inside of a courtroom in real life,” Mr Shine said.
“The open day at Maroochydore Courthouse will give visitors the chance to see the trappings of our justice system first hand, including the judge’s bench, lawyers’ bar table, jury box and watch-house holding cell.
“They will also be able to take a look in the remote witness room where children and other vulnerable witnesses are able to give their evidence by closed-circuit television without the trauma of having to face offenders in open court.
“There will also be an opportunity to view the video played to newly empanelled jurors so they know what to expect and what’s required of them during the course of the trial.”
Mr Shine said visitors would also be able to look in on a real court case, hear a little bit more about the work of the local Magistrates, Childrens and District courts, as well as take home a free information and sample bag.
The open day will be held this Wednesday (May 14) between 8.30am and 4.30pm.
“Local staff are also putting together a collection of courthouse memorabilia such as the manual typewriters they used before computers, the reel-to-reel tape decks used for recording cases before we went digital, an old judge’s gavel and other bits and pieces,” Mr Shine said.
“These items and other information will be on display during normal courthouse hours all week, until Friday.”
Law Week is being celebrated from 10 to 16 May. This year’s theme is ‘linking you and the law’, with a focus on juvenile justice, the jury system and improving access to justice. For more information on Law Week activities, go to www.justice.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said vicitors would be able to stand in the prisoners’ dock without being charged, inspect the jury room without being empanelled and sit in the witness box without being cross-examined.
“Fair and open justice is a pillar of our democracy, but many people have never seen the inside of a courtroom in real life,” Mr Shine said.
“The open day at Maroochydore Courthouse will give visitors the chance to see the trappings of our justice system first hand, including the judge’s bench, lawyers’ bar table, jury box and watch-house holding cell.
“They will also be able to take a look in the remote witness room where children and other vulnerable witnesses are able to give their evidence by closed-circuit television without the trauma of having to face offenders in open court.
“There will also be an opportunity to view the video played to newly empanelled jurors so they know what to expect and what’s required of them during the course of the trial.”
Mr Shine said visitors would also be able to look in on a real court case, hear a little bit more about the work of the local Magistrates, Childrens and District courts, as well as take home a free information and sample bag.
The open day will be held this Wednesday (May 14) between 8.30am and 4.30pm.
“Local staff are also putting together a collection of courthouse memorabilia such as the manual typewriters they used before computers, the reel-to-reel tape decks used for recording cases before we went digital, an old judge’s gavel and other bits and pieces,” Mr Shine said.
“These items and other information will be on display during normal courthouse hours all week, until Friday.”
Law Week is being celebrated from 10 to 16 May. This year’s theme is ‘linking you and the law’, with a focus on juvenile justice, the jury system and improving access to justice. For more information on Law Week activities, go to www.justice.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273