Adults and children will have an opportunity to experience a trial first-hand at Nanaimo provincial court on Law Day this Saturday (April 18).
As part of Law Week festivities that celebrate the signing of the Charters of Rights and Freedoms, the Front Street courthouse will host a number of events, including a mock trial with children serving as jury, according to Laura Taylor, a family law lawyer and organizer.
Volunteers putting on the trial will be in costume as the case of Regina versus the Big Bad Wolf will be heard and the Three Little Pigs will be called to testify, according to Taylor.
“There’s a verdict as to whether the Big Bad Wolf should be guilty on all counts or not, so that’s a lot of fun.”
In addition, Nanaimo RCMP will be demonstrating police dog services. The police will also demonstrate Walk the Line, which will see children donning goggles that mimic alcohol impairment while trying to complete a roadside impairment test.
“There are tours of the sheriff’s cells downstairs ... The RCMP will also [do] a talk on drugs on the streets of Nanaimo, the facts and current concerns. We’re also having a Crown counsel who’s part of a domestic violence organization in the community who will be doing a talk on Nanaimo’s response to domestic violence,” Taylor said.
While photos aren’t usually allowed in the courthouse, there will be an exception made for Law Day, and still photos will be allowed in the mock trial room. No other video or photos can be taken anywhere else in the building.
Events will run between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.