This Question Bank is designed for students and teachers to use when meeting with a Judicial Speaker, in addition to the questions provided we reccomend that teachers encourage students to write their own questions. On average 10-15 questions should be prepared prior to the meeting. Judicial speakers appreciate it when the questions are printed with the students name. 

A PDF of the questions is available for Download. 

Sentencing

• Are you ever concerned that the sentence you impose will create media backlash? 
• How difficult is it to provide an adequate sentence that considers the victim, the accused and society? 
• Is it difficult not to want to consider your own personal morals/values when delivering a sentence?
• Have you ever disagreed with a jury’s verdict? If so, how does this make you feel about the sentencing process?
• Have you ever been a part of circle sentencing? 

Trial and Appeal Process

• Is there an aspect of the trial process that you disagree with or wish you could amend?
• In the instance that the DPP appeal a case, is the defendant required to pay further funds to their legal team to have the case reheard? If so, what are some of the repercussions of this?
• What are some common misconceptions about the trial process?
• What complexities are introduced in regards to appellate jurisdiction as compared to original jurisdiction?
• Have you ever been verbally abused by a defendant
• Have you ever witnessed an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander on a jury? If so, is this a common occurrence?

• What’s the most disturbing evidence you’ve seen?

• Have you ever tried another judge?

• How do you try to make fair and unbiased decisions? If there is a process which prevents bias, what is it?

• Can a judge tell a lawyer that he is taking too much time in questioning a witness?

• Are there cases when no jury is needed and the judge makes all of the decisions?

Law and the Legal System

• Is there a piece of legislation that you feel needs reviewing and why?
• Is there a particular piece of legislation that you’re passionate about (positive or negative)? 
• Do you notice a time lag between new legislation and changing social values? (e.g.: Bail Act and Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act) reforms?
• What is your opinion on a charter of rights for Australia?
• In what ways does multiple types of courts affect resource efficiency and are there any other positives or negatives associated with the court hierarchical structure? 
• When considering resource efficiency, should all trials be judge alone, in light of the Simon Gittany case?
• Is there a trend on the type of accused persons at your court?
• Do you think that police have too much or too little discretion? 
• How has the level of recidivism for young offenders changed over time?
• How do we solve the issue of detaining individuals? Huge cost to society – what are our best alternatives?

• What do you think are the most significant cases in Australian history?

• How do you think the Australian Legal System could be improved?

Being a Judge/Lawyer

• As a female in the legal industry, have you found it difficult to be promoted? 
• Have you ever set any notable precedents that you think have changed common law for the better?
• What was the most interesting case you’ve ever heard?
• Does being a lawyer affect your personal life?
• Why did you become a lawyer and how long have you been a lawyer?
• What’s the most shocking case you’ve worked on?
• What’s the hardest part about being a lawyer?
• What happens if a lawyer gets charged with something?
• Why aren’t you allowed to turn your back on the judge in court?

• What is the emotional impact of being a judge especially in terms of dealing with the sentencing of ordinary people?

Career Path

• Did you do Legal Studies in High School and if so, how did you go?
• If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be doing?
• How long have you been practising law?
• What’s been the highlight or defining moment of your career?

• How do you become a judge?

• What qualifies you to be a judge beyond a law degree?