Deakin law students visit the Supreme Court of Victoria.

A group of 23 law students led by Deakin Law Clinic principal solicitor, Rebecca Tisdale, had the opportunity to hear from two Judges of the Court of Appeal during an interactive court visit on Thursday. 

During a Q&A session with the students, Justice Beach and Justice Weinberg discussed a range of topics including their professional backgrounds, their work at the Court of Appeal, public impressions of the work of judges and different employment opportunities within the court system.

Deakin law student, Taylah Eastwell, who attended the court visit and is also currently completing a placement at Deakin Law Clinic in the criminal group, found the visit to add much value.

It was an invaluable experience to be able to engage with judges on a more personal level about their roles in the court. Having the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of both the judges and counsel gave us an inspirational insight into the different roles each play in the court room and the potential career avenues available to us.

The students also had the opportunity to witness an appeal made by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) against the sentence delivered on a manslaughter charge by the Supreme Court of Victoria (DPP v Brandon Osborn).

Following the hearing, students met with counsel who had appeared in the matter, Crown Prosecutor Chris Boyce SC and junior counsel for the Respondent, Jack O’Connor, along with members of court staff.

Accompanying DLS representative, Rebecca Tisdale, felt the visit provided incredible exposure and insight into to the criminal justice system. 

The visit to the Court of Appeal provided students with a valuable insight into our criminal justice system and, importantly, the chance to observe preeminent practitioners in the field.  In addition, the unique opportunity to engage directly with members of the Bench and Victoria Bar about the matter and their experiences in legal practice was insightful.