Night court is in session this week for several local high school students who will hold the fate of an accused 'murderer' in their hands.
The Simcoe-Muskoka Mock Trial competition takes place Thursday evening (April 27), as the event returns to the halls of the Barrie courthouse for the first time since 2019.
This year, eight high schools will participate with students acting as Crown attorneys, defense lawyers and witnesses. They have been provided with a scenario ahead of time.
The high schools taking part include Barrie North, Innisdale, Patrick Fogarty, Nantyr Shores, Collingwood Collegiate, Nottawasaga Pines, Georgian Bay District, and Elmvale District.
Justice Stacey Nichols, who is one of the organizers of the event, says she enjoys the competition and how the kids respond to it.
“They obviously have to have an interest in it and it is law classes who are participating,” Nichols said. “But this is such a great opportunity for kids to test their ability in the world of law.”
Students arrive at the courthouse around 5:30 p.m., for a pizza dinner and some photos, before beginning the mock proceedings.
Teams consist of six or eight students as they square off against each other. That means there will be four trials will be going that night, each 'trying' the same case.
“It's in the format of a real trial — we give them the scenario which they’ve been working on since about January," Nichols said. "We give them all the information they need. This year it's a first-degree murder case.
“One of our judges hears all the evidence and makes a ruling at the end," she added. "It isn’t based on any real case, but is treated like a factual scenario. It's meant to be fun and a bit light-hearted, but certainly the kids are competing."
Two Ontario court and two Superior court jurists will preside, while other people will be present to grade the teams. The winners get a trophy and plaque, while other awards are also handed out.
“The teachers are involved heavily, but also we have local Crown attorneys and defence lawyers who have been giving their time to help the students out,” said Nichols.
