Immaculate Conception students participate in mock trial

Grade 5 students at Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School visited the Sudbury courthouse May 2.

As part of the Grade 5 curriculum, students are required to learn about citizenship and government.

Teacher Chantal Rancourt said she felt having her students visit the courthouse would make the material more meaningful and interesting.

Two lawyers, Lucille Shaw and Trevor Kestle from Miller Maki, visited the school to explain the judicial process.

The lawyers also booked the Sudbury courthouse for the mock trial and arranged for a retired judge to preside over the case.

"The students have been very enthusiastic about the whole process and were quite excited to take part in the mock trial,” Rancourt said.

"The students got really involved in the whole unit and were looking forward to acting as different members necessary during the trial."

The students filled all of the roles required, including lawyers for the defense, lawyers for the prosecution, court reporter, bailiff, court sketch artist, jury, etc. Christopher Balaz, one of the students involved, said he felt it was a great opportunity for his class.

"This is just awesome," Balaz said. "It is a great experience and makes me consider going into law."

Several parents were also on hand to watch the mock trial take place and said that their kids were eager to experience the court room with real lawyers and judges.