“All Rise,” calls the court clerk. “The Maverick Court of Morris is now in session. Judge Daniel Lehmann presiding.”
The Morris School’s Gr. 11-12 law class held three mock trials last week to give students the chance to explore Canada’s legal system.
Fourteen students assumed one of four roles throughout the week: defense lawyer, Crown lawyer, jurors, or court clerk.
The event allowed student to experience the various elements of the criminal trial process, including the opportunity to advocate for their client or speak on behalf of the prosecution.
Students prepared for their day in court by interviewing witnesses and holding a pretrial session with opposing counsel.
“All students must play the role of lawyer for at least one trial,” explained Lehmann, who teaches law 40S at the school. “Students played the other roles, except for witnesses.“
School staff and local business leaders took on the roles of the accused and witnesses.
On the day two of the trial, Pat Schmitke, owner of the Morris Bigway, became Donovan Tisi charged with theft under $5,000. Jenna Skoglund, resource teacher, took on the role of defence witness Jenny Wong. Jack Wiebe, Youth For Christ director, played Anver Williams, a young man who was beaten up and robbed of his basketball sneakers,.
“The teacher approached me and asked if I could play the role of an accused in their mock court,” said Schmitke. “They gave me information about my character. I came to the school before today for a pretrial interview with my lawyer to go over the questions. They accused me of assault and robbery. I’m innocent of all charges and my lawyer will get me off!”
With court called into session by the clerk, the judge in wig and robe provided a preamble for the role-playing exercise, including a review of the Youth Criminal Justice Act followed by instructions to the jury on their responsibilities.
The proceeding had a formal atmosphere, and students were expected to conduct themselves as if they were in a real court.
Lehmann graded students on their knowledge, procedures, proper etiquette, dress, and annunciation.
“I found it difficult to remember the questions I needed to ask,” shared Ryan Harder, the 16-year-old Crown lawyer in the day one trial. “I found cross-examining witnesses easier.”
Both sides had the chance to call and question witnesses before the lawyers gave their closing statements and the jury left the room to decide on a verdict.
The case material for each trial was fictional and did not have a predetermined outcome. Guilt or innocence of the accused was a jury decision based on the evidence presented to them.
Day two’s case was a win for the Crown when the jury returned a verdict of guilty.
“This was my first time studying the law,“ said defence counsel Jonathan Skopliak. “I understand what happens in a court case.
“I’m not a strong public speaker, but playing a lawyer role gave me a chance to practice.”
That sounds a like a win in the classroom.
Photos by Sean Conway/Voice
