Being a member of a jury is every citizen’s duty. A jury enables those who have been charged with a criminal offence to be tried by a group of fellow citizens.
Members are selected from among citizens and it is an important part of the judicial process.
Earlier this week, students from three high schools in the city took part in a mock trial to find out how Canada’s legal system works.
This is an invaluable learning experience — something which cannot be taught in the classroom.
These students were able to take a hands-on role in the process, acting as defendants, lawyers, witnesses and the jury.
It will not only teach them their civic duty but also how the legal system works as a fair and democratic process.
Comments from the students taking part were insightful.
One said she realized the prosecution is not trying to find somebody guilty so they win a case, but is searching for the truth as to what happened during an incident.
Organized events like the mock trial mean students can put their learning into practice.
Instead of trying to take everything in during class, they can understand what the real world is like.
It is wonderful that people such as the lawyers, judge, police and court staff gave up their time on Monday evening to allow the students to have this experience
Perhaps it will encourage some students to choose a career in the law, perhaps it will open others’ eyes to the work done by police and when it comes to performing their civic duty in the future as a jury member, they will all be ready to step up.
Times-Herald editorials are written by the Times-Herald editorial staff
