More than 400 clever young detectives from across Western Australia have taken part in this year’s Cluedunnit Kids, the Law Society’s much-loved mystery-solving competition that’s fast becoming a highlight on the legal education calendar.
Now in its latest iteration, the 2025 program saw 77 teams from 27 schools tackle a fictional case involving graffiti at Novella Lakes Train Station. Was the culprit Will Inkitt? Hugh Jartpiece? Or Mike Anvass? The case may have been fictional, but the investigative efforts were anything but.
From animated crime reconstructions and choreographed dances to AI-generated police stations and courtrooms, students wowed judges with their creativity, forensic reasoning, and grasp of legal concepts. Eleven year olds demonstrated a sophisticated use of digital tools, impressing even seasoned legal professionals.
Joint winners were crowned this year: The Sherlocks from Newman College in Perth (pictured) and The Concrete Crusaders from St Lawrence’s Primary School in Geraldton. The Case Crackers from St Augustine’s Primary School in Rivervale received the Ambassador School Award, while Operation WINK from Frederick Irwin Anglican School in Mandurah were named runners-up.
“These budding barristers and future law enforcers showed an impressive understanding of legal principles, appropriate sentencing and the art of persuasive storytelling,” said Law Society President Gary Mack. “According to teachers, students are also reading and writing more confidently – making Cluedunnit Kids a stealthy but powerful literacy tool.”
The Law Society extended thanks to key partners Curtin Law School and the panel of esteemed judges, including Chief Judge Julie Wager, Her Honour Judge Wendy Hughes, Deputy Chief Magistrate Libby Woods, and others.
To this year’s Cluedunnit Kids: keep sleuthing, keep questioning, and who knows – we may see you in court (on the right side of the bar) in the not-too-distant future.
