Sponsored by Clayton Utz
The 2013 Clayton Utz Trial Advocacy Competition involves a simulated trial in which teams of two counsel represent the prosecution/plaintiff or the defence. The focus of the competition is examination and cross-examination of witnesses to provide an answer to a particular legal problem, together with the presentation of brief opening and closing addresses. Given this fact-finding objective, no knowledge of the substantive law is necessary, and only limited pre-trial preparation is required.
The problems, set before the Magistrate’s Court, the District Court or the Supreme Court and heard by a single presiding judge or magistrate, are designed to reflect real court practice, and are often based on actual civil and criminal matters. The competition aims to provide students with a practical understanding of the rules of evidence and an insight into the operation of the court system, while developing their skills of persuasive argument in a formal environment.
Trial Advocacy is one of the most dynamic and exciting competitions that Blackstone organises; if you harbour secret ambitions of yourself in a starring role in Law and Order this is the competition for you. You can also indulge your theatrical fantasies by volunteering as a witness.
The Coordinator of the 2013 Clayton Utz Trial Advocacy Competition is Lisa McAnearney. Please direct all queries to the Competitions VP, Cindy Chia at competitionsvp@blackstone.asn.au.
Competition Dates
Round 1:
- Monday 4 March
- Tuesday 5 March
- Monday 11 March
- Tuesday 12 March
Round 2:
- Monday 25 March
- Tuesday 26 March
Quarter-Final: Tuesday 16 April 2013
Semi-Final: Tuesday 30 April 2013
Grand-Final: Tuesday 14th May 2013
Competition Materials
