February 23, 2016
A dozen students from Nanango State High School enjoyed a hands-on experience of the legal system during a visit to Kingaroy Courthouse on Tuesday.
The Year 10 students are taking Legal Studies as an elective subject.
Officer-in-charge of Kingaroy Police Station, Senior Sergeant Duane Frank, explained the difference between Magistrates and District courts; the various parts of a courtroom, including the witness box, dock and bar table; plus the role of the jury, prosecutor and solicitors.
The students seemed impressed by all the standard equipment Constable Samantha Giles has to carry … from her capsicum spray and baton, to a taser and handgun.
They were particularly interested in the handcuffs!
The visit also had a serious side. The students were reminded that the justice system in Queensland treats them as adults from the age of 17, which meant the day after they turned 17 would be tried in an adult court if charged with any offence.
They also learned how a criminal record could follow a person throughout their life, affecting their chances of employment and barring them from certain occupations.
