PNG’s Legal Training Institute (LTI), in collaboration with Australia’s Victorian Bar recently, completed its most recent course on Civil and Criminal Advocacy.
The workshop was supported by the Australian Government through the PNG-Australia Partnership and provided LTI students with the practical skills and knowledge they need to be effective courtroom advocates in civil and criminal law matters.
This year saw the highest number of students involved with over 150 participating, 50 percent of those being women.
Chief Justice Sir Gibuma Gibba Salika opened the workshop and told the students “Listen and learn, the sessions will be intense so be prepared and learn as much as you can.”
“You will take part in mock court room cross examinations, getting your facts right is important so know your facts well to present to the court, and actively participate in discussions.”
The five-day training was facilitated by members of the Victorian Bar (Australia), the LTI team and the Papua New Guinea Law Society.
The 14-member Victorian Bar team that travelled to Port Moresby for the workshop included retired President of the Supreme Court of Appeal of Victoria, Honourable Chris Maxwell AC KC, and retired Victoria Supreme Court Judge, Honourable Peter Riordan and 11 experienced barristers.
During the week, students engaged in a range of activities, including interactive sessions and practical courtroom scenarios with accomplished trainers and legal practitioners.
The experience provided participants with invaluable insights into case analysis, evidence presentation, effective communication, and persuasive techniques.
Vavine Sere was one such student, identifying the practical court sessions as her main highlight.
“I learnt so much during the practical court sessions.”
“They gave us problems and we had to work out how we would present in court to argue our client’s case.”
“Some days we acted as the prosecutor and some days as the defence, and we got good feedback from the presenters so that really helped me learn.”
“It’s a lifelong skill that we must perfect, and this week has been a very good start for me.”
The increased participation of women continues to strengthen the legal profession in PNG with a greater diversity in legal decision-making and representation.
The week also highlighted the continuing strong relationship between LTI and the Victorian Bar with workshops being held annually since 1990 thanks to support from the Australian Government through the PNG- Australia Partnership.