Event wrap-up: Mock Trial fi nal

Mock Trial Competition 2021: That’s the way the cookie crumbles

STEPHANIE MOORE, MEMBER, MOCK TRIAL COMMITTEE

On Tuesday 14 September, 2021, the Mock Court of South Australia sat to hear the matter of Molini v Tudor: a personal injury claim arising from a bike accident caused by the defendant’s dog ‘Biscuit’.

The plaintiff, represented by University Senior College, was Lee Molini, a young student working part time as a bicycle messenger. The defendant, represented by Pembroke School, was Jo Tudor, the owner of Biscuit, a male Doberman.

The issue at trial was whether Ms Monlini’s fall was due to an attack by Biscuit and if so, whether Mr Tudor was negligent in keeping Biscuit secure in the front yard.

Barristers Jada Puglisi and Jazlyn Southwell of University Senior College, and Alec Johnson and Thomas Eckert of Pembroke, impressed the judges with their persuasive intellect. All four barristers articulated thoughtful argument and questioned witnesses appropriately about their knowledge of Dobermans, cyclists and the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (SA). The barristers were assisted by their instructing solicitors: Patrick Munn and Aastha Kumar of University Senior College, and Marwan Salih and Lisa Cao of Pembroke.

The witnesses were equally as impressive and entertaining. Olivia Spandrio, as the plaintiff, dressed in a hi-vis vest. She was a convincing and credible witness who told the Court she had fallen off her bike due to an unruly dog. Prapti Dhawan, as the retired witness, who was more than happy to provide an account that Biscuit “barrelled” into the plaintiff’s bike, performed her role well. Henry Ponte, as the defendant, painted a picture of a well-behaved Doberman, as did Moon Li, the witness who previously owned Biscuit. All witnesses experienced lengthy crossexamination.

The Court was assisted by the Judge’s Associate, Lachie Davis, of Pembroke who kept everyone running on time and the Sherriff’s Officer, Em Bonython, of University Senior College who maintained order in the Court.

Ultimately, the Court (being Justice Tim Stanley, “Justice” Rebecca Stanford and “Justice” Stephanie Moore) were satisfied that Biscuit had caused the plaintiff to fall off her bike and that the defendant failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent his dog from escaping.

University Senior College not only won its fictional case, but also took out the title as the winner of the Mock Trial overall.

Jada Puglisi won the award for the Outstanding Competitor whilst Thomas Eckert won the Best Barrister award, including the invaluable added prize of a week’s work experience with Justice Stanley.

Janine Campbell, the Legal Studies and History teacher from University Senior College said “The competition is fantastic. Students learn so much about law, but also develop a range of transferable skills such as problem solving, public speaking, collaboration etc. Over the years, for some of my students it has been a life-changing experience. Every now and then I meet parents who also remark on their memories of being in the competition many years ago.”

Jacqui McCann, the legal teacher of Pembroke said “the students had a wonderful time working together over the six months and many new, strong friendships have been formed, which is a fabulous outcome.”

The Mock Trial Committee offers its sincere thanks to Justice Stanley and Bec Sandford who helped to judge the grand final competition. Thank you also to all of the students and teachers who participated in this year’s competition and the members of the profession who volunteered their time to coach teams or judge trials throughout the year, including Chris Brohier who coached University Senior College and Professor Rick Sarre who informally coached Pembroke.

The competition is an excellent opportunity for high school students in Adelaide to work with people in the profession and to gain valuable skills to help them in their potential, future legal carers. The Committee wishes to thank the volunteers from the legal profession, the Society and the Law Foundation of SA for their ongoing support of the Mock Trial Competition. B

Winning team, University Senior College