Year 11 and 12 court visits

Changes to operations

Following advice from the federal and state governments regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), the County Court has suspended all schools visits until further notice, which includes work experience students.

Schools Program

The County Court Schools Program seeks to provide VCE Legal Studies students with a first-hand experience of the Victorian justice system. Students participating in the program are provided with a unique opportunity to meet and interact with a County Court judge and observe a proceeding before the court.

Students can engage with judges on a range of topics, including the role of the judge and jury, the right to a fair trial, the complexity of sentences and judgments and matters relevant to their legal studies curriculum. Visits are available Monday to Thursday (morning and afternoon sessions) and Friday (morning) during school terms. Morning sessions run from 9am-midday. Afternoon sessions run from 1.15pm-3.00pm.

Court etiquette

County Court criminal and civil proceedings are open to the public, other than in exceptional circumstances when a judge orders otherwise. Members of the public may visit the court (and anywhere in Victoria where the court sits) to observe hearings.

You should take note of the following requirements when attending:

• enquire at reception inside the main entrance of the building as to the hearings being conducted on the day of your visit;
• the building is open between 8am and 6.30pm
• you must turn off your mobile phone before entering a courtroom
• electronic devices such as laptops and tablets cannot be used by members of the public in court
• you are not allowed to take cameras or recording devices into a courtroom
• food and drinks are not to be consumed in a courtroom
• ensure you are suitably dressed.

Work experience

The court accepts work experience applications from secondary and tertiary students throughout the year. Placements fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment. Below are instructions on how you can submit an application for work experience:

Secondary students (years 10, 11 and 12)

1. Obtain written authorisation from your school's work experience co-ordinator/supervisor
2. Complete the County Court work experience request form (see 'Forms' section below); and
3. Email the above documents (and any general enquiries) to: workexperience@countycourt.vic.gov.au.

Tertiary students (university/TAFE)

1. Obtain written authorisation from your institution's work experience co-ordinator/supervisor
2. Complete a work experience placement form (provided by your institution); and
3. Email the above documents (and any general enquiries) to: HR@countycourt.vic.gov.au