A group of students from Cornerstone Christian School gained a better perspective about the Canadian justice system during a recent trip to Moose Jaw provincial court.
More than 20 students in grades 11 and 12 who are taking Law 30 spent a morning recently in courtroom No. 2 listening to and watching the proceedings. Teacher Lee Behrns explained that he brings his Law 30 students twice a year to give them some experience in a real courtroom.
There are usually 30 students in the class, but since half were away for another event, Behrns invited other Grade 12 students to join the field trip.
While students discuss in class how court works and study the justice system by reading textbooks, an actual visit to a court house changes their understanding, he continued. They can see how a real court room operates and how the justice system functions.
During a trip in the fall, the students spent time speaking with Crown prosecutor Robbie Parker and Judge Daryl Rayner, Behrns said. The two officials answered any questions the youths had.
However, neither Parker nor Judge Brian Hendrickson were able to spend any time with the students during the most recent trip due to a full docket agenda.
Attending court is an important part of the law class and learning about crimes, Hendrickson said to the students during a brief break. He noted that while he was unable to answer their questions, he appreciated them being in court.
The trip to the courthouse was the second visit for Grade 12 student Stephen Brown. He noted that attending court provides a wide variety of experiences from which to learn.
For example, the previous trip was more entertaining since one offender was accused of assaulting a paramedic because he thought the medical personnel was an alien. This time proved to be less exciting.
“One thing people don’t get to see is how backed up the system is,” Brown said, pointing out most people’s matters were adjourned to June 17. “It’s certainly a really good experience, especially for people who are not in court (regularly).”
Brown added that he had considered a career in the law profession, but changed his mind since there is too much paperwork.
