The Hypothetical Court Case allows students to experience the actual conditions of a Courtroom session in the early years of the Colony, while understanding the judicial system in place, with the prejudices and attitudes between the criminal and upper classes.

The court system in place in colonial Sydney was that of the English practice. As the colony was established under naval jurisdiction, the courts were run by the officers of the Navy and Military. It is a fact that none of the early magistrates had any training in law. The Judge-Advocate Captain Collins was an officer of Marines, and his successor Richard Atkins a civilian drunkard. Consequently there was some disagreement as to the authority of the courts over civilians and convicts.

Those with degrees in law that were transported to the colony were technically convicts, and as such were not allowed to sit as magistrates. However, as they were educated, they could read and write and so were assigned as clerks of the court, where they could be called upon for advice in legal matters. Nevertheless, the courts by modem standards appear to be biased and discriminary and it is this aspect we attempt to show in the Hypothetical Court cases for the schools.

A brief scenario is given verbally by our Presenter and the cast follows along  with a short script. A discussion period ends the activity.

AIM: 1

• To allow students to experience the actual conditions of a Courtroom session in the early years of the Colony, while understanding the judicial system in place, with the prejudices and attitudes between the criminal and upper classes.

AIM: 2

• To allow students to role play ALL the characters.

THIS IS NOT A DRAMA WORKSHOP.  Every student has the opportunity for input.

GROUP SIZE: Maximum of 60 students per session.

SUITABILITY: Years 7 through to 12.

DURATION: One hour depending involvement of students.

PRESENTER: One of our Colonial Show Characters

SUPERVISION: Teachers must be present throughout.

TEACHER PREPARATION: To assign students from each session to the various parts and to encourage students to research Colonial Justice System before excursion.

THE HYPOTHETICAL COURT CASE IS A REVERSE EXCURSION or an INCURSION