Sponsored by Clayton Utz

The 2010 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 2010 Clayton Utz Trial Advocacy Competition is Rosie Hill. Please direct all queries to competitions@blackstone.asn.au.

Competition Dates

Round 1: Monday 1^st, Tuesday 2^nd, Monday 8^th & Tuesday 9^th March 2010

Round 2: Monday 29^th & Tuesday 30^th March 2010

Round 3: Monday 12^th April 2010

Semi-Final: Monday 26^th April 2010

Grand Final: Monday 3^rd May 2010

Competition Materials

-        Assessment Sheet
-        Information for Associates
-        Associate’s Timesheet
-        Information for Competitors
-        Information for Judges & Magistrates
-        Information for Witnesses
-        Rules
-        Problem Guidelines
-        Sample Problem
-        Trial Advocacy Guide