Law Day:
April 16
A free, educational, entertaining family event. Attend fun trials, booths, exhibits, meet the mascot, courthouse tours and more.
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Calgary Courts Centre, 601 – 5 St SW
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
For more info: Email directry@cba-alberta.org
For more info on the events, including booths and exhibits, click here.
I interviewed Jessica Bateman, a member of the Bishop Carroll Debate Club, who will be participating in a mock trial for Law Day. Here’s what she had to say:
YAA: What’s law day all about?
JB: Essentially it’s a group of six people [from each school] who are interested in speaking and the way law works. We go to the Calgary court houses and we argue a fake case.
YAA: Six people?
JB: Two witnesses, one lawyer to do cross-examination, one lawyer to do direct examination, and one lawyer to do an opening. And then one to do a closing. We have to prepare for both sides, so each witness is actualy playing two different witnesses, the lawyer doing cross exmaination is doing direct examination as well for the other side. And so on…
YAA: Is it open to everyone?
JB: It’s one team of six per high school or junior high, but anyone can come watch.
YAA: If you wanted to do it, who should you ask?
JB: Each school should have a teacher organizer.
YAA: So what’s fun about it?
JB: You get to strengthen your acting chops. It’s a good step if you want to become a lawyer. It’s also good for practicing public speaking.