Court Observation

My report on court observation involving Criminal matters focuses on two Courts I visited. On Tuesday 1st August 2017, between 9am and 1pm, I visited Townsville’s Magistrates Court and Supreme Court. The court visits for CRM101 are an essential learning experience to get a full understanding about how the Australian court system operates. Learning hands on what has been taught through lectures and readings; being able to observe the proceedings and surrounding to get a better understanding. This report focuses on the differences I observed between the two courts. How each court operates, their layout and seating structure. Also, the different traditions carried out within the two different levels of hierarchy.

In the Court system, there is

I walked towards the two enormous buildings located side by side. I came to a sign giving directions to the different functioning courts within the courthouse. COURTS OF LAW

Supreme Courts 1 & 2 ↑D Magistrates Courts 1-5 ↑B

District Courts 3 & 4 ↑C Magistrates Courts Registry ↑A

Supreme Court 5 ↑B Registrar Births etc. ↑A

Supreme Court Registry ↑B Magistrate Court Fines ↑A

Persons Reporting for Jury →B Electoral Office ↑A

Service proceed to Level B →B

I headed into the Supreme Court building first. At the door, security guards and scanning devices confronted me. Was like a visit to the airport, I had to unpack all my belongings into a container before walking through the scanner. The security guard waved his wound over me; gave me the all clear. Standing there lost, I asked the security guards if the public could watch a case today. He directed me to a white sheet on the wall stating all the cases being heard that day. He said if the sign above the court says OPEN, I am right to go

He wore a black business suit. They look after the jury, call witnesses to the stand and administer the oath or affirmation. They also announce the beginning and end of court sessions and call upon the defendant when the judge is ready. The jury was sent home; case after hearing was adjourned. I didn’t get to see the jury in action.

To the far left near the Judges bench was the Witness stand. This is where the witness sits to give evidence to support their version of events. The court also has expert witnesses to help with cases. They provide their expert opinion on an aspect of the case based on their expertise and training in that field of question. Behind the witness stand was a large flat screen television. This can be used in cases where witnesses are too scared to give evidence in front of the court room. Usually in sexual assault cases. It’s also used for witnesses giving evidence from another location that cannot attend court.

To the left of the court near the witness stand was a seating area of twelve; in two rows for the jury. The jury is made up of twelve people selected at random from the community. They decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty in a criminal