Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:56 PM AWST
22/07/2026 2:56 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Undertake the prosecution in a trial
Undertake the prosecution in a trial
Unit of competency
National Code
SFICOMP503C
SFICOMP503C
State Code
D9211
D9211
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
07/07/2014
Field of Education
091199 - Justice And Law Enforcement, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
07/07/2014
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit of competency involves undertaking the prosecution function in a trial.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for the trial
- 1.1. All information required for the trial is gathered, collated and confirmed as available for the duration of the trial.
- 1.2. Further enquiries are initiated, if necessary, for the prosecution case.
- 1.3. Witnesses' credibility and reliability are assessed prior to the trial.
- 1.4. Witnesses are notified of trial dates.
- 1.5. Witnesses are interviewed before trial and inducted in courtroom processes.
- 1.6. Unfavourable witness information is disclosed, where appropriate.
- 1.7. Pre-trial hearings or negotiations are arranged and conducted, if required
- 1.8. Any alteration to charges is processed according to courtroom procedures and applicable law.
- 1.9. Prosecution argument is prepared in advance.
2. Undertake prosecution role in trial
- 2.1. Opening address is effectively presented giving an overview of the prosecution case.
- 2.2. Prosecution witness is examined and, if necessary, re-examined, and defence witness cross-examined, as required, to prove elements beyond reasonable doubt.
- 2.3. Questions asked of witness are selected and sequenced to cover all elements and to clarify issues.
- 2.4. Questions are worded in such a way as to minimise opportunity for defence to propose objections.
- 2.5. Objections from defence are responded to during examination-in-chief of prosecution witness and during cross-examination of defence witness.
- 2.6. Objections are proposed during defence cross-examination of prosecution witness and defence examination-in-chief.
- 2.7. Argument is presented based on fact, law and evidence and in a manner that is decisive, composed and credible.
- 2.8. The prosecution submissions are presented in such a way that strengthens the prosecution case, minimises the prosecution's weaknesses and minimises the strengths in the defence case.
- 2.9. Witness support is provided during the trial.
- 2.10. Advocacy technique is enhanced through effective public speaking and respect for courtroom etiquette.
3. Complete post-trial administrative tasks
- 3.1. File endorsements are accurately completed in a timely manner.
- 3.2. Matters arising from the trial are followed up.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Information required for the trial may include:
aids to proof
aspects of law related to the trial
certificates/reports, such as accuracy of measuring devices
criminal records (up to time of trial)
exhibits (location, relevance to allegations)
full briefs/statements.
Objections may be proposed when questions are:
ambiguous
complex
duplicitous
intimidating
leading
poorly phrased
lacking relevance
repetitive.
Advocacy techniques may include:
courtroom etiquette
deportment
developing and presenting a logical and concise argument supported in fact, law and evidence
effectively highlighting strengths in the prosecution case
effectively minimising strengths in the defence case
public speaking skills
utilising prosecution and defence witness effectively to obtain supporting evidence.
Public speaking may incorporate:
manner of presentation appropriate to the task being performed
personal appearance
tone and volume of speech
use of appropriate language.
Courtroom etiquette may include:
courtesy when dealing with court staff
respect for bench and opposing counsel.
Matters may include:
arranging witness fees
clearing exhibits
completing documentation/reports as required
instituting appeal proceedings
notifying witness and any other appropriate parties of court outcomes.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Information required for the trial may include:
aids to proof
aspects of law related to the trial
certificates/reports, such as accuracy of measuring devices
criminal records (up to time of trial)
exhibits (location, relevance to allegations)
full briefs/statements.
Objections may be proposed when questions are:
ambiguous
complex
duplicitous
intimidating
leading
poorly phrased
lacking relevance
repetitive.
Advocacy techniques may include:
courtroom etiquette
deportment
developing and presenting a logical and concise argument supported in fact, law and evidence
effectively highlighting strengths in the prosecution case
effectively minimising strengths in the defence case
public speaking skills
utilising prosecution and defence witness effectively to obtain supporting evidence.
Public speaking may incorporate:
manner of presentation appropriate to the task being performed
personal appearance
tone and volume of speech
use of appropriate language.
Courtroom etiquette may include:
courtesy when dealing with court staff
respect for bench and opposing counsel.
Matters may include:
arranging witness fees
clearing exhibits
completing documentation/reports as required
instituting appeal proceedings
notifying witness and any other appropriate parties of court outcomes.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
effectively present the prosecution case.
Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
trial processes
advocacy techniques that contribute to successful presentation of prosecution case
courtroom procedures for:
addressing the bench and opposing counsel
proposing and responding to objections
courtroom etiquette
law relevant to case and court procedure.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.
Resources may include:
case studies to use for role-plays
simulated environment, including court, court staff, defence counsel, witnesses and exhibits.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
questions
role-plays
demonstration of courtroom skills.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
effectively present the prosecution case.
Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
trial processes
advocacy techniques that contribute to successful presentation of prosecution case
courtroom procedures for:
addressing the bench and opposing counsel
proposing and responding to objections
courtroom etiquette
law relevant to case and court procedure.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.
Resources may include:
case studies to use for role-plays
simulated environment, including court, court staff, defence counsel, witnesses and exhibits.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
questions
role-plays
demonstration of courtroom skills.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4216 | SFICOMP503B | Undertake the prosecution in a trial | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAR76 | SFICPL503 | Undertake the prosecution in a trial | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D630 | SFI50411 | Diploma of Fisheries Compliance | Qualification |
| J322 | PSP52612 | Diploma of Government (Road Transport Compliance) | Qualification |