By Mike Hooker
Annually, the RSS Law 12 class final project includes a mock trial.
Students prepare for the case, taking on all the roles ranging from court reporter to accused, prosecutors and defense council to jurors and witnesses. The Courthouse provides a perfect venue for this dramatic trial. The event is steeped in tradition, spanning two decades under the direction of past law teachers, Paul Hills and Maureen Conn.
Students work hard to prepare and it is always entertaining — this year the class was exceptional. Every student was in character, prepared and engaged as the courtroom drama unfolded. The case, modified from the original Reena Virk tragedy, was handled in an atmosphere that was highly respectful, dealing with the most difficult subject matter with compassion and empathy. There was laughter as students supported each other through their roles (and as Judge Jason Stevens reprimanded some of the witnesses) and sadness as the real life violence and impact of the case settled on the room.
Jason Stevens, Law 12 teacher, had this to say when commended on the quality of the event, and the trust the students had in each other to put themselves in a such a vulnerable place, taking on their roles, and dealing with the difficult content:
“The students you see and their effort/behaviour/talent are a reflection of the staff and administration — they feel safe because they have always felt safe in this school with each other and with their teachers.”
Mike Hooker is the superintendent of School District 19
Here are just a few photos (A complete set of photos taken by RSS teacher Jeff Colvin at this event can be seen at: https://picasaweb.google.com/115126234955660376983/February82015) from the students’ day in court:
