On Tuesday 27th May, we were lucky to have the Chief Magistrate of Victoria visit the College Auditorium to speak to all our Year 10, 11 and 12 Legal Studies students. She spoke about her role, her amazing journey through our legal system – she has been a barrister, a Magistrate, a County Court Judge, and is currently both Chief Magistrate and a Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria – and her deep respect for and confidence in the law. Her Honour told us what utmost faith she has in our Jury system, explained that her role is not one of law-making or reform, but of applying the laws made by the Parliament and spoke of the many reforms to our court system of which she has been instrumental in introducing.
Following her talk, Chief Magistrate Hannan willingly answered questions from the students including telling of some of the interesting cases with which she has been involved, how she has managed a work – life balance and how she came to be in her current position.
Some of the comments that students provided after the presentation include:
“Meeting the Chief Magistrate as she spoke about her journey through the legal system and advocation for change was an experience that left me both inspired and empowered”
“Her Honour's ability to answer questions in a manner that upheld her integrity and displayed her deep passion for the law definitely translated throughout her speech and was truly inspiring”
“The Chief Magistrate’s visit was very informative, inspiring and honest. She shared a lot of her real-life experiences throughout the years of her career, including her proudest moments and the challenges she's faced along the way. The way she talked about her passion and love for her job showed her commitment and belief in the positive impacts that the legal system can have on the lives of people”
This amazing incursion would not have been possible without the assistance of one of our Year 12 Action Planning Coaches, Anne Connors. A big thanks to her for organising for Her Honour to come to our school and for inviting some Western Chances alumni and some current students from St Albans College to join us.
Arlene Bailey
