On Trial (ATOM Study Guide)

Each year thousands of criminal cases are heard in courts around Australia. Here, some of the most serious crimes are heard before judge and jury. This is where justice is done.

On Trial is a groundbreaking documentary series featuring unprecedented access to major criminal trials in Australian courts. For the first time cameras have been granted full access to the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the District Court of New South Wales where criminal cases are dealt with before judge and jury.

This five-part series features a controversial murder trial and a major assault. If justice is best served when it is seen to be done, then On Trial is a major step towards a fully transparent judicial system.

Curriculum Relevance

On Trial would be an excellent series to show students at middle and senior secondary levels in the following curriculum areas:

• Legal Studies
• Civics and Citizenship
• SOSE/HSIE
• Values Education
• Media Studies

For teachers and students of Legal Studies at senior secondary levels, On Trial would be particularly useful as it deals directly with the content and skills that are central to several curriculum units.