The Trial of Ned Kelly at Old Melbourne Gaol
This significant heritage building offers students an engaging and revealing insight into past and contemporary legal process.
The court sits on the same site as the first Supreme Court in Melbourne (c.1842-1884), which saw such famed trials as Ned Kelly’s 1880 murder trial (which resulted in his execution at the Old Melbourne Gaol) and the 1855 trial of the 13 miners from the Eureka Stockade.
Learn through re-enacting an authentic trial and taking the roles of prosecutor, defence counsel, judge, offender, jury, witnesses and public gallery members. All sessions are run by trained facilitators utilising audio-visual technologies and scripts based on real-life trials.
About the Program
Following his last stand in Glenrowan in 1880, Ned Kelly was brought before Justice Redmond Barry on the charge of having murdered Constable Thomas Lonigan. During the Trial of Ned Kelly Court Room Drama, students will take on various roles such as judge, defence, prosecution and witnesses, using scripts, costumes and props to reenact the case of Ned Kelly.
Based on the original court transcripts, this trial allows students to explore how a court room operates, including understanding the roles of the defence, prosecution, judges, and juries. After the trial, students will be invited to discuss whether they think the trial was fair, as well as whether the evidence presented in the trial supports or refutes the claim that Ned Kelly was “just another outlaw”.
This Court Room Drama pairs perfectly with “Just Another Outlaw?”, a guided tour of the Old Melbourne Gaol.
Curriculum Links
| Subject | Strand | Sub-strand | Content descriptions | Students will… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civics and Citizenship | Knowledge and Understanding | Laws and Citizens | how and why laws are enforced and the roles and responsibilities of key institutions, such as the police, courts and other parts of the legal system | Discover the responsibilities of different people in the court and how justice is achieved through trials |
| VC2HC6K04 | ||||
| Drama | Presenting | rehearse and present devised and scripted drama in informal and formal settings to engage different audiences | Present a scripted drama in a formal setting. | |
| VC2ADR6P01 | ||||
| History | Historical knowledge and understanding | Australia (1800–1900) | the role of significant individuals or groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, local-born colonists and migrants, on the development of or events in a colony | Examine the role of Ned Kelly in the development of the colony of Victoria. |
| VC2HH6K05 | ||||
| different interpretations of a significant historical development in a colony during the 19th century | Using the evidence presented in the trial, students will provide a response to the following statement: “Ned Kelly was just another outlaw.” | |||
| VC2HH6K06 |
Program Details
Monday to Friday during school terms
1.25 hours
15-30 students per session
Teacher/carer:student ratio: 1:12
Social script for parents and teachers of students on the autism spectrum.
Teachers will receive a detailed resource pack that includes suggested pre- and post-visit activities upon booking.
$14 per student
Click here to access the Task Risk Assessment.
The court can be accessed by wheelchair users through a side door. The stands where the judge, witnesses and defendant sit are only accessible via stairs.
To book, complete the Online Booking Form. For enquiries, email [email protected] or phone (03) 9656 9889.
Former Magistrate’s Court, Old Melbourne Gaol
377 Russell Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
An excellent and highly informative experience had by our VCE students. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and held the student's focus throughout the mock court experience.
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