Open Witness Examination
The Open Witness Examination Competition is a simulated civil or criminal trial.
Teams will be required to develop a theory of the case and to present this case to the judge. As the barrister, you will act as counsel for either the prosecution or defence. Your task is to ascertain the facts of the case through the examination and cross-examination of witnesses. As a witness, you must memorise the facts of the case prior to trial and must testify in accordance with those facts.
Competition Details
Teams must consist of a Barrister and a Witness. Team members may rotate positions during the course of the competition so that both members get a chance to compete in each role. This year we had added a small section for the Witness to also be scored!
Time commitment: For ALL competitors, the problem is released 48 hours prior to your competition. As witness examination is based on distinct case theories from the prosecution and defence, expect to spend a few hours reading the problem, formulating a case theory, and preparing questions and answers for the examination.
Team size: 2 members
Number of rounds: 3
Semester 2 Schedule: Thursdays
Week 4: 21/08 | Quarter-Final
Week 6: 4/09 | Semi-Final
Week 8: 18/09 | Grand-Final
Attire: Business
Delivery: All internal competitions in 2025 will follow an in-person format.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Grace Cochrane and Siyumi Madola at witnessexamination@mulss.com.
Documents & Recordings
2023 Competitor Training Workshop Recording - Click here to access.
2023 Competitors’ Guidebook - Click here to download.
2023 Judges’ Guidelines - Click here to download.
2023 Scoresheet - Click here to download.
Congratulations to our 2024 Winners and thank you!
A huge congratulations to our 2024 winners: Vi Hu, and Dean Lu - on your outstanding achievement!
Well done as well to our 2024 Runners-Up: David Lind, and Jack White
A heartfelt thank you to our 2024 Co-opts, Mallika Singh and Lily Kruglova, for your invaluable contributions throughout the year.
Thank you to all competitors for making this season exceptional!
Past winners
2024 – Vi Hu and Dean Lu
2023 – Seb Beale and Trent Jones
2022 – Joseph Wilczer and Yashi Dao
2021 – Claritta Lee and Yun Lee
2020 – John Hajek and Lauren Arthur
2019 – Edmond Stewart and Anastasia Tarasova
2018 – Margaret Brown and Taylor Mitas
2017 – Sophia Kaiko and Julia Korolkova
2016 – Ruben Clark and Ishita Mattoo
2015 – Marijana Banovac and Yusur Al-Azzawi
2014 – Elizabeth O’Brien and Ash Perriman
2013 – Zan Mazharullah and David Adam
2012 – Julian Chant and Victor Lei
2011 – Daniel Holmes and Jesse Winton
2010 – Tom Ickeringill and Courtney McLennan
2009 – Unknown
2008 – Owen Webb and Rohan Hockings