Tuesday,
May 10, 2011
COMPLAINTS
BOOTH AND CELLS
Various
Ombudsmen and complaints authorities have combined to set up an information
booth at this year’s free Courts Open Day at the Sir Samuel Way Building,
Victoria Square, this Saturday, May 14.
The
annual family-friendly event keeps growing, attracting up to 2000 visitors in
previous years. With good weather predicted this Saturday, organisers are hoping
for a record turnout.
Courts
Open Day presents a rare opportunity to look extensively behind the scenes of
the State’s justice system and is part of National Law Week.
Visitors
can take a short guided tour of basement holding cells and secure prisoner lifts
leading into the docks of criminal courtrooms. Volunteer court staff are on hand
to explain what happens in a typical criminal courtroom, including jury
deliberation rooms.
Visitors
can view and/or participate in various court processes, such as mock guilty
pleas, and a mock sentencing, comparing their sentence to that delivered by a
District Court Judge. There are mock trials in which visitors can participate as
jurors, and a demonstration Aboriginal Sentencing (Nunga) Court.
There
is information about careers in courts and TAFE-run justice studies and a
popular hands-on scientific laboratory for budding forensic scientists of all
ages.
Various
justice-related organisations set up displays, including the Office of the
Director of Public Prosecutions, the Royal Association of Justices of the Peace,
Victim Support Services, the Law Society of South Australia and community legal
aid services.
For
the first time, this year, the South Australian Ombudsman, Health and Community
Services Complaints Commissioner, WorkCover Ombudsman, Equal Opportunity
Commissioner, Employee Ombudsman and Police Complaints Authority will combine on
a stand, providing free information about their work.
The
Sheriff’s stand features information about warrants, jury service, weapons
seized in courthouses and wheel clamps. The Coroner’s Office can explain the
coronial process.
For
history buffs, there is an historical display about the former Charles Moore
department store itself, and historical legal regalia. There are also
demonstrations of in-court technology.
The
front doors open at 10am and close at 3pm. A detailed program is attached.
For
more information contact Sylvia Kriven, CAA Media and Communications Manager, on
8204 0388 or 0421 617 205.
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