The ACT Law Society, in collaboration with the ACT Bar Association, invited attendees to a special CPD session with the Honourable Justice Baker, who delivered insights from the Bench about the cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses. Attendees gained practical insights from witness intermediary Sarah Cocco, who shared their perspective on better communication with vulnerable witnesses. Sharyn Hall SC rounded out the session with techniques participants could use for more effective questioning.
THE HON JUSTICE BELINDA BAKER
ACT SUPREME COURT
The Honourable Belinda Baker was sworn in as a Justice of the ACT Supreme Court on 25 November 2022.
Her Honour graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws with the University Medal in 2000. In 2003, her Honour was awarded a Sir Robert Menzies Scholarship for study at Harvard University, where she completed a Masters in Law in 2004.
Prior to her appointment at the ACT Supreme Court, her Honour worked as Counsel Assisting the New South Wales Solicitor General and Crown Advocate, as a senior solicitor and solicitor advocate in the New South Wales Crown Solicitor’s Office, and as a barrister in private practice. Her Honour was appointed a NSW Crown Prosecutor in 2016 and a Deputy Senior Crown Prosecutor in 2020.
SHARYN HALL SC
SAMUEL GRIFFITH CHAMBERS
Sharyn Hall SC is a barrister based in New South Wales. She practices predominately at the criminal defence Bar with a particular focus on sexual assault trials.
Before coming to the Bar, Sharyn was a solicitor with the Western Aboriginal Legal Service and Legal Aid New South Wales. Sharyn was called to the Bar in 2007 and appointed Senior Counsel in 2021.
Sharyn has been involved in the introduction of the witness intermediaries and pre-recording of the evidence of child witnesses in NSW since its inception. She continues to sit on the implementation management group overseeing the conduct of these matters. Sharyn has also been involved in the training of lawyers, judges and witness intermediaries throughout Australia.
Sharyn is an experienced advocacy instructor, having taught around Australia and internationally. Sharyn is a senior instructor and Board member of the Australian Advocacy Institute and the current convenor of the criminal stream for the Australian Bar Association Advanced Trial Advocacy Intensive.
SARAH COCCO
ACT HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Since 2019, Sarah has worked as a Senior Intermediary at the ACT Human Rights Commission, facilitating the communication of vulnerable individuals in the justice system. She advises police, lawyers, and courts on effective communication strategies and intervenes during evidence-gathering processes to promote meaningful participation and ensure best evidence is obtained. Her earlier career spans the child protection, aged care, and disability sectors.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Critical Psychology), a Diploma of Professional Counselling, and a Bachelor of Laws. She was enrolled as an ACT lawyer in 2023.
In 2024, Sarah was formally recognised by the WA Attorney General for her contributions to the implementation of the Criminal Law (Mental Impairment) Act 2023 (WA), including the development of the WA Communication Partner Program.
DETAILS
- This is an on-demand webinar you can watch at anytime - a link and password will be sent to you when you register
- Cost: Members - $25, Non-members $70
- CPD: Members will earn 1.5 CPD point in core area 3
- This event was recorded on Thursday 17 July
- This recording will expire on 31 December 2025
Registration
| Member | $25.00(GST incl.) | Register |
| Non-Member | $70.00(GST incl.) | Register |
