Yr.12 Legal studies: Crime – Role of legal representation in a criminal trial

NSW Legal Studies syllabus HSC course

This learning activity is aligned to the syllabus ‘learn to‘ statement:

· Examine the role of legal representation in the criminal trial.

The aim for this learning activity is to provide students with a deeper understanding of the course content through reference to either contemporary case studies, media events or amendments to legislation. Students will focus on the nature, purpose and importance of the ‘Prosecutor’s Notice’ (s142(a)-(l) Criminal Procedure Act) and the ‘Defence Notice’ (s143 Criminal Procedures Act).

Students will also review the court proceedings for R v Batterham [2020] NSWSC 1798 with a focus on the cross examination of evidence by Mr Batterham’s defence barrister.

The activity requires students to read reference material and to complete a series of review based questions.

This learning activity is also cross reference with syllabus outcomes as well as aligned to the relevant theme and challenge component.

The activity is well suited as a minor research task.

The inclusion of contemporary media events and court cases is well suited to act as a supplement for student class notes.