This report has two parts. In the first part (Questions 1 to 5), you are asked to explain or
describe some key concepts that are important to your understanding of criminal court
processes. In the second part (Questions 6 to 12), you are asked to describe and reflect on the
criminal court hearing that you observed.
In your report, answer each of the following questions. Use the questions as sub-headings in
your report (see the Information Sheet for further information).
Part One (15 marks)
1. What does the prosecution need to prove in the courtroom for a person to be
convicted of a criminal offence? (2 marks)
2. What are the differences between summary and indictable offences? (3 marks)
3. What is a legal ‘defence’? Describe two common defences in criminal law. (3 marks)
4. Explain the different courts that exist in your State or Territory’s criminal court
hierarchy. (3 marks)
5. Briefly describe the following court hearings. What is the main purpose of each?
a. Summary Trial
b. Committal hearing
c. Jury trial
d. Sentencing Hearing (4 marks)
Part Two (25 marks)
6. Which court did you attend, and what kind of hearing did you observe? (2 marks)
7. What were the charges against the defendant? Were these summary or indictable
offences? How did you know this? (3 marks)
8. Identify who was present in the courtroom and describe the role you observed them
perform. (4 marks)
9. Briefly describe the physical layout of the courtroom. How did this reinforce the role
and status of the judge, jury, lawyers and/or accused? (4 marks)
10. Describe the courtroom procedures that took place, including the giving of evidence
and arguments. Were these easy to follow? Why/why not? (4 marks)
11. What was the most interesting thing you observed during your visit? (2 marks)
12. Define the concepts of due process and the rule of law. Discuss the extent to which
these concepts were upheld or undermined in the courtroom you visited. (6 marks)
Total: 40 marks