This Competition is a practical means of introducing students to the law and a means of improving the public's perception of the legal profession. The Competition aims to introduce year 10 and 11 students to the law and to give them an understanding of the legal system that governs the society in which they live. The Law Society provides the teams with coaches and magistrates, together with a complete set of the case materials and competition manual.
Coaches teach the students about court procedure and advocacy techniques.
It is anticipated that only two to three hours of coaching will be needed before each trial, although it is up to each coach to decide the level of individual participation. The cases are confined to simple criminal and civil matters heard in the Local or District Court. The Mock Trial Competition is also an ideal way for members of the legal profession to meet and become involved in their local community. The close involvement of the profession is an essential part of the Competition and is one of the major reasons for its success. The Law Society is indebted to Solicitors and Barristers in New South Wales and the ACT for providing the essential voluntary assistance required for the successful functioning of this program.