Courtroom Observation Report

Courtroom Observation Report
University:___________________________________
Name:_______________________________________
Student Number: _____________________________
Unit:________________________________________
Introduction
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There are two main sources of law in Australia, case law or common law, based on
the decisions of judges in the superior courts, and legislation, the law made by
Parliament. Because of the Federal system of Government in Australia, we have:
1. Court decisions and legislation made by Federal Courts and Federal
Parliament, and
2. Court decisions and legislation made by State Courts and State Parliaments.
Judges are responsible for making decisions in court are critical to the system
achieving procedural fairness and in turn engendering community trust in authorities
Instrumental in the process is the conduct of the Judge. Body language and
behavioural aspects such as voice, neutrality, and respectful treatment are central to
how the court system is perceived.
Judges must be aware and pay attention to creating fair outcomes, they should also
tailor their actions, language, and responses to the public’s expectations of procedural
fairness. By doing so, these judges will establish themselves as legitimate authorities;
substantial research suggests that increased compliance with court orders and
decreased recidivism by criminal offenders will result. Procedural fairness also will
lessen the difference in how minority populations perceive and react to the courts.
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Aims of the observation
This court observation report aims to help you to understand the courts process and
how the major parties conduct themselves in court.
Task
You are to visit the Downing Centre Court complex in Liverpool Street Sydney and
observe a court case. You should then complete the attached form and hand in to your
lecturer.
Court Visited:
Judge Name:
Court Location:
Date(s) of observation:
Type(s) of proceedings observed:
Was the judge aware of this observation? Yes No Unknown
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