Non-Legal Knowledge/
Juror for a day.

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​​Juries play a crucial role in our justice system. They come from all walks of life and are given the task of determining the facts of the case, mostly without pre-existing legal knowledge. Although you only know them by number, a juror’s journey starts well before they enter your courtroom. As a trial judge, the way you communicate with and manage a jury can have implications for juror’s experiences and, ultimately, the fairness of the trial.  

​Developed in collaboration with Juries Victoria, this new immersive program will give you a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of a potential juror. Experiencing the process of empanelment from the body of the court, you will gain a deeper understanding of the role and work of Juries Victoria in preparing people for jury service, and have the chance to consider how judicial management of juries can be enhanced.     

This program is open to the County Court and Supreme Court of Victoria in the first instance, with a waitlist for all other jurisdictions.

Speakers.

Juries Victoria
Paul Dore

Paul Dore has been Victoria's Juries Commissioner since March 2012, bringing a wealth of experience from his extensive career in the Victorian Public Service. Since emigrating from Montréal in 1994, Paul has held various roles, beginning in the State’s Youth Justice System and later transitioning to Victorian Courts.

In January 2007, he took on the role of Chief Operating Officer at the Supreme Court of Victoria, and from August 2009 to October 2010, he served as the Court's Acting Chief Executive Officer.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction (Criminal Justice Administration), a Master of Applied Science (Organisational Dynamics), and an Executive Master of Public Administration. Paul is also a 2018 Churchill Fellow.

 

Juries Victoria
Laurie Rumbold

Laurie Rumbold is the Deputy Juries Commissioner, bringing nearly two decades of experience in Victorian courts. Her career began in 2004 as a Registrar of the Magistrates’ Court, where she worked in various roles across regional locations before relocating to Melbourne to study journalism at RMIT.

In 2013, Laurie joined the Supreme Court and became part of the leadership team at Juries Victoria, where she has worked for the past 10 years. Collaborating closely with the Juries Commissioner, Laurie has led initiatives to improve communication with those selected for jury service, providing jurors with easier access to essential information and streamlining procedures for excusal requests. Her pivotal role in resuming jury trials during the COVID-19 pandemic was recognised with a Service Excellence Award from Chief Judge Kidd in 2021.

Laurie’s extensive experience in court user management is driven by her dedication to supporting individuals navigating the complexities of jury service, fostering understanding, and empowering jurors throughout their experience.