Mackay Residents Get Their Day in Court
Published Tuesday, 13 May, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Local fans of courtroom dramas like Boston Legal and The Practice can get a taste of the real thing during Law Week this week (May 12-16) when the Mackay Courthouse throws open its doors to the public with guided tours each afternoon.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said local residents 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 daily tours will allow courthouse visitors to see the trappings of our justice system first hand without falling foul of the law, including the judge’s bench, lawyers’ bar table, jury box, public gallery and vulnerable witness room.
“There will 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 the courthouse would also stage moot court cases involving trainee solicitors and law students presided over by Supreme Court judge Justice Kerry Cullinane during the lunch recess from 1-2pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“Dispute resolution officers will be there as well to explain how they can help with a wide range of public services, from resolving neighbourhood feuds over barking dogs and dividing fences to helping businesses with employee relations and community consultation,” he said.
“The Office of Fair Trading will also be setting up a display providing practical advice and information on common consumer issues.
“This is a great chance for Mackay residents to find out a bit more about the work of their local courthouse and take home a free sample bag as well.”
Mr Shine said the guided tours would be held until Friday and take about an hour, starting at 3pm.
Law Week 2008 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 local residents 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 daily tours will allow courthouse visitors to see the trappings of our justice system first hand without falling foul of the law, including the judge’s bench, lawyers’ bar table, jury box, public gallery and vulnerable witness room.
“There will 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 the courthouse would also stage moot court cases involving trainee solicitors and law students presided over by Supreme Court judge Justice Kerry Cullinane during the lunch recess from 1-2pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“Dispute resolution officers will be there as well to explain how they can help with a wide range of public services, from resolving neighbourhood feuds over barking dogs and dividing fences to helping businesses with employee relations and community consultation,” he said.
“The Office of Fair Trading will also be setting up a display providing practical advice and information on common consumer issues.
“This is a great chance for Mackay residents to find out a bit more about the work of their local courthouse and take home a free sample bag as well.”
Mr Shine said the guided tours would be held until Friday and take about an hour, starting at 3pm.
Law Week 2008 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