Flinders Law Students Association

The Colthorpe Lawyers Witness Exam Competition returns for 2010.

Witness Exam Competitors Guide 2010

Witness Exam Rules 2010 (inc marking sheet)

Example Question

Witness Guide

ABOUT:

The Witness Examination Competition is a simulation of a criminal trial. The trial is run in a much shorter format than a real trial, however, all of the major elements of a trial remain: opening statements, examination in chief and cross-examination and finally the closing arguments.

At Flinders, competitions are run with one barrister and one non-competitive witness for each side. Unlike mooting, you don’t need to prepare a written submission in advance. Instead, before the witness examination takes place, you are given time to look over the witness’ statement and to consult with your witness. The aim of the competition is to question your and your opponent’s witness in order to arrive at a clearer answer to a legal problem. Your role in the examination is to make an opening and closing statement, as well as to examine your witness and cross-examine your opponent’s witness.

The National Witness Examination championship is held each year at ALSA’s annual July conference. We are proud to announce that Finlaysons will sponsor the winner of the Witness Examination competition to attend and compete at the championship.

Taking part in competitions is an excellent way to acquire and practise legal skills that you will need when you graduate. It’s also a great way to improve your confidence and public speaking skills. You don’t need to have studied any particular topic, and First Year students are welcome to take part.