News
Law 12 Mock Trial
Shawnigan’s four Law 12 classes recently took an in-depth look at Canada’s criminal justice system through a series of mock trials. Each hour-long trial required participants to familiarize themselves with key roles, and the issues, arguments, strategies and etiquette of a real courtroom.
The case at hand was a hit-and-run scenario that Law 12 teacher Galen Loiselle playfully created using fictitious versions of current Shawnigan staff. All persons involved, from the defendant to the witnesses, were based on real faculty and staff. The accusations, hypothetical rift between two teachers, and supporting witness statements were, of course, imaginary.
In this simulation, the defendant was charged with having intentionally hit his teaching colleague – with whom several witnesses claimed he had a professional rivalry – following an altercation at a local pub. The charges were: Uttering Threats, Attempted Murder, and Failure to stop at Scene of Accident.
Students role-played as defence lawyers, Crown prosecutors, witnesses, and defendants, with presiding judges played by staff volunteers.
“Mock trials are a form of experiential learning and give students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the law and its role in society, develop advocacy skills, and adopt critical thinking strategies,” said Mr. Loiselle. “Skills include learning to clearly express their ideas, argue logically, and accurately interpret the written word. Those are tangible skills to take with you into the world.”
In the end, the four classes came up with three different verdicts: one NOT GUILTY on all three charges; one GUILTY of uttering threats but NOT GUILTY of Attempted Murder and Failure to stop at Scene of Accident; and two GUILTY on all three charges.
Shawnigan Lake School is adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines released by the BC Ministries of Health and Education, including those regarding learning cohorts, physical distancing and mask-wearing when appropriate.
Back
In this simulation, the defendant was charged with having intentionally hit his teaching colleague – with whom several witnesses claimed he had a professional rivalry – following an altercation at a local pub. The charges were: Uttering Threats, Attempted Murder, and Failure to stop at Scene of Accident.
Students role-played as defence lawyers, Crown prosecutors, witnesses, and defendants, with presiding judges played by staff volunteers.
“Mock trials are a form of experiential learning and give students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the law and its role in society, develop advocacy skills, and adopt critical thinking strategies,” said Mr. Loiselle. “Skills include learning to clearly express their ideas, argue logically, and accurately interpret the written word. Those are tangible skills to take with you into the world.”
In the end, the four classes came up with three different verdicts: one NOT GUILTY on all three charges; one GUILTY of uttering threats but NOT GUILTY of Attempted Murder and Failure to stop at Scene of Accident; and two GUILTY on all three charges.
Shawnigan Lake School is adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines released by the BC Ministries of Health and Education, including those regarding learning cohorts, physical distancing and mask-wearing when appropriate.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
