2025 Mock Trial Competition

The Year 11 Legal Studies class contested the 2025 Mock Trial Competition organised by the Family Law Pathways Network (FLPN) in Tamworth. Farrer sent two teams, who competed along with eight other teams from Tamworth High, Calrossy, St Mary’s College Gunnedah, Quirindi High and Oxley High.The case involved a hypothetical family law matter regarding recognition of parentage between an international pop superstar and her close friend and backing dancer. The friend had donated genetic material so she could conceive a child, which raised interesting issues regarding parental responsibility and legal recognition. It was a complex case involving several key provisions of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and precedent cases.

Farrer 1 came up against St Mary’s College Gunnedah 1, while Farrer 2 competed against the eventual competition winners Quirindi High. In both matters, the Farrer team was the applicant in the proceedings and was seeking an order to be legally recognised as the parent of the child, as well as an order to prevent the relocation of the child to the USA. Students played key roles including Barristers, Solicitors, witnesses and Court Officers to argue their case and role-play a courtroom in action. They learned valuable skills in legal research and analysis, preparation of a legal case, advocacy and the operation of the courtroom.

Congratulations to Team 1 Solicitor Logan Fuller, who received an award for the best-prepared Solicitor pre-trial notes.

A huge thanks to the Family Law Pathways Network, and particularly the event organiser Fiona Burns, for their organisation and hosting of the day. It was an excellent, hands-on learning experience and provided great opportunities to meet other Legal Studies students from around the region.