Culpable Driving at Old Melbourne Gaol
This significant heritage building offers students an engaging and revealing insight into past and contemporary legal process.
The court sits on the same site as the first Supreme Court in Melbourne (c.1842-1884), which saw such famed trials as Ned Kelly’s 1880 murder trial (which resulted in his execution at the Old Melbourne Gaol) and the 1855 trial of the 13 miners from the Eureka Stockade.
Learn through re-enacting an authentic trial and taking the roles of prosecutor, defence counsel, judge, offender, jury, witnesses and public gallery members. All sessions are run by trained facilitators utilising audio-visual technologies and scripts based on real-life trials.
About the Program
During the Culpable Driving Court Room Drama, students will take on various roles such as magistrate, defence, prosecution and witnesses, using scripts, costumes and props to reenact a real case. Eighteen-year-old Kim pleaded guilty to culpable driving causing the death of his best mate, after deciding to participate in a drag race on a suburban street. This case is based on a real-life case, with names and other information changed to ensure privacy.
This case demonstrates to students how a split-second decision behind the wheel of a car can have long-lasting and disastrous consequences. During this experience, students will explore, discuss and debate the various sentencing options for the crime of culpable driving, ensuring that they consider the evidence presented in the trial, as well as sentencing procedures in their response.
Curriculum Links
| Subject | Strand | Sub-strand | Content descriptions | Students will… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History | Historical knowledge and understanding | Early colonisation of Australia to c. 1800 | the causes for the establishment of the first permanent British colony on Gadigal Country (Sydney) in 1788 | Experience what life was like for an explorer aboard a tall ship, including navigational technologies and daily life. |
| VC2HH4K07 | ||||
| the experiences and perspectives of individuals and groups, including military and civilian officials and convicts, involved in the establishment of the first British colony on Gadigal Country (Sydney) | Discover what the experience of being aboard a tall ship was like. | |||
| VC2HH4K08 | ||||
| different interpretations of the early colonisation of Australia, including why British colonisation is interpreted as an invasion, and Terra Nullius | Compare and contrast the differences between the experiences of the experiences of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people and Europeans such as John Batman after invasion occurred on the Birrarung. | |||
| VC2HH4K10 | ||||
| Community, remembrance and celebrations | the significance of Country and Place to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples who are connected to their area | Explore the significance of Country to the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people. | ||
| VC2HH4K01 | ||||
| Historical Concepts and Skills | Using Historical Sources | identify the features and content of historical sources | Utilise primary sources aboard Polly Woodside that give insight into the lives of sailors. | |
| VC2HH4S03 | ||||
| describe perspectives of people from the past based on evidence from primary sources | Explore the evidence provided in George Andrews’ diary, that recounts what life aboard a tall ship was like. | |||
| VC2HH4S04 | ||||
| Continuity and Change | identify and describe continuity and change | Examine the similarities and differences between the technologies used aboard ships both then and now. Explore the changes that occurred to the Birrarung through colonisation and industrialisation. | ||
| VC2HH4S06 | ||||
| Geography | Geographical Knowledge and Understanding | Diversity of Places and environments | the importance of environments, including natural vegetation and water sources, to people and animals in Australia and on another continent | Explore the importance of water sources like the Birrarung for the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, as well as the European invaders. |
| VC2HG4K03 |
| Subject | Strand | Sub-strand | Content descriptions | Students will… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History | Historical Knowledge | Australia 1800-1900 | the impacts of the development of colonies on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, local-born colonists and migrants, and on the environment | Explore the changes that occurred due to colonisation and industrialisation, including daily life for the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, as well as changes to the landscape. |
| VC2HH6K02 | ||||
| the continuities and changes associated with significant developments or events on a colony | Analyse the impact of John Batman’s treaty. | |||
| VC2HH6K03 | ||||
| Historical Concepts and Skills | Continuity and Change | describe patterns of continuity and change | Examine the similarities and differences between the technologies used aboard ships both then and now. Explore the changes that occurred to the Birrarung through colonisation and industrialisation. | |
| VC2HH6S07 |
Program Details
Monday to Friday during school terms
1.25 hours
15-30 students per session
Teacher/carer:student ratio: 1:12
Social script for parents and teachers of students on the autism spectrum.
Teachers will receive a detailed resource pack that includes suggested pre- and post-visit activities upon booking.
$14 per student
Click here to access the Task Risk Assessment.
The court can be accessed by wheelchair users through a side door. The stands where the judge, witnesses and defendant sit are only accessible via stairs.
To book, complete the Online Booking Form. For enquiries, email [email protected] or phone (03) 9656 9889.
Former Magistrate’s Court, Old Melbourne Gaol
377 Russell Street
Melbourne VIC 3000