Students from the Year 11 and 12 Politics and Law and Humanities in Action courses recently took part in a fascinating WA legal education tour, organised by the Francis Burt Law Education Programme.

The day began at the Supreme Court of Western Australia, where students were taken on a guided tour by a Supreme Court Registrar. They learnt about the processes involved in trials and mediations and impressed their guide by asking thoughtful and informed questions about legal procedures and careers in law.

Students then had the rare opportunity to observe real court cases from the public galleries of both the District and Magistrates’ Courts. They witnessed legal proceedings in action, including plea hearings, witness testimonies and legal arguments — bringing their classroom learning to life.

Throughout the day, students also engaged in conversations with legal professionals, gaining insights into the everyday experiences of those working in the justice system.

The excursion concluded with a visit to the historic Old Court House Law Museum, Perth’s oldest public building, where students learnt about the establishment of the first courts in Western Australia and the early history of criminal trials.

It was a highly educational and engaging day, giving students a deeper appreciation of the WA legal system and valuable exposure to potential future pathways in law and justice.