On Thursday 27th of May, The Saint Francis Mock Trial team had the privileged opportunity to attend Hurlstone Agricultural High School to compete in Round 3 of the NSW Law Society competition. Cooper N, Maya J, Courtney J, Oscar L, Shandesh B and myself were the defence team on an invigorating civil case regarding property damage and council participation. As the defence, St. Francis represented Burwood Council and had to defend their liability. The civil case was around a dispute between an individual with root damage to her property and the Councils response to said issues. As the Council we had to prove we were not liable or negligent. We originally responded to the solution effectively, yet after the Plaintiff (Hurlstone Agricultural) hired a third party plumber, the solution, a root blocker, was further tampered with and influenced the growth of more tree roots, thus causing more damage. The council simply does not take responsibility for another person's damage. After the trial, we received feedback from the magistrate who is a trained and well-experienced solicitor. St Francis was commended on our professionalism and Witness performance which ultimately saw our triumph over Hurlstone. Hurlstone proved to be tough competition, but we won the Round with pride 201-197. This experience is one that I am beyond grateful for as it is allowing us to meet new people, build teamwork and critical thinking skills and provide an insight into the Australian Legal System. I am looking forward to what the next round has to offer.

By Aaliyah S