Law Day events today at courthouse
Family-friendly activities begin at 9 a.m.
The courthouse can seem like an intimidating place for those who have had few dealings with the legal system. Removing that intimidation factor is one of the aims of annual Law Day events, which this year will take place today at the Lethbridge Courthouse, 320 4 St. S.
Often the public’s view of the justice system comes from television or movies.
“It makes court into a scarier thing than it needs to be,” says Heather Chan, a lawyer with RMcD Law Offices in Lethbridge and one of the organizers of local Law Day events. “We’re just in the business of helping people solve problems, really. Most lawyers are kind people and we do our best to help.”
Law Day activities start at 9 a.m. and there’s a full schedule of free family-friendly events. Kidz Korner runs from 9 a.m. to noon on the main floor of the courthouse, and courthouse tours run from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., starting in the front lobby.
The Ask a Lawyer program, conducted by the Lethbridge Legal Guidance Society, gives people an opportunity to meet with a volunteer lawyer and have their legal questions asked. It runs from 9 a.m. to noon, with check-in on the second floor. Appointments must be prebooked by calling 403-380-6338 and space is limited.
A citizenship ceremony will be held starting at 10 a.m. in Courtroom #6, where new Canadian citizens will be officially welcomed. Also at 10 a.m., the Lethbridge Police Service will conduct a forensics demonstration in Courtroom #4.
The popular fantasy trial takes place from noon to 1 p.m. in Courtroom #6, with a “Heroes of Justice” theme in the court case “R. v. Batman,” with the Caped Crusader on trial.
At 1 p.m., the Lethbridge Police Service K9 demonstration will be put on outside the front of the courthouse.
Chan, who is originally from Ontario, says she was impressed by the extent of activities for the public that Law Day in Alberta features.
“I thought this was the greatest thing we could do in terms of outreach and engaging the public and maybe break some of those stereotypes and fears people have about the courts.”
Law Day was founded in 1982 by the Canadian Bar Association following the signing of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms by Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau and Queen Elizabeth, Chan explains, noting it’s an opportunity to educate the public about Canada’s legal system in a non-threatening manner.
For example, the mock trial, while done in way that’s entertaining for kids, follows normal court procedure so youngsters can learn how a real trial is conducted.
“It’s set out in the format of a real criminal trial,” says Chan. “They get to know what a trial is like in a fun way.”
Besides the scheduled activities, Law Day will include booths featuring other organizations involved with the legal system. Reeves College Alberta will be making its first appearance at Lethbridge Law Day, presenting information on legal-related careers. Other booths will feature Lethbridge Victim Services, Alberta Legal Aid Society, Canadian Border Services, Alberta Fish and Wildlife and Alberta Sheriffs.