Our historic Vernon Courthouse is turning 100 on Saturday. As part of the celebration, the Vernon secondary school law classes, under the direction of teacher Susan Egan, are presenting two mock trials for the public. It will be an entertaining and educational opportunity as well as a celebration of the Vernon Courthouse’s centennial.
The first trial is set in 1917, “Escape from the Internment Camp,” and it will start at 10:30 a.m. Mr. Jack Charter is on trial for high treason, for allegedly helping the enemy during World War One by assisting two Ukrainian brothers escape detention at the internment camp (where Seaton school and McDonald Park are now).
The Internment of the Ukrainian Canadians was a sad part of Vernon history and begs the question about what’s right and wrong.
Everyone who attends the trial will be considered a jury member and have a “vote” in whether the accused is innocent or guilty, needing to face the question of whether to side with the law of the day, or what’s morally right. There will be some great lawyering as Crown lawyers clash with defence, and some colourful witnesses take the stand.
At 12:30 p.m., VSS law students will be presenting a murder trial set in 1922, “Murder at the Fintry Gold Mine.” Tyler Clark, the owner of the gold mine, (which actually existed), is on trial for the murder of Adam Faller, an employee at the mine who met his demise falling down a mine shaft…or was he pushed?
Come and celebrate with the VSS law students, the Vernon legal community, as well as the city, in the 100th anniversary of our courthouse at the open house on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There will be tours of the courthouse, displays from many law-related groups and a historical slide show available to those who attend.
At 1:30 p.m., there will be a rare special sitting of the Supreme Court, presided over by Associate Chief Justice Austin Cullen.
Crimestoppers will also be hosting a hot dog barbecue by donation, and there will be birthday cake served at 2 p.m
Bring family, friends and enjoy the celebration!
Yasmin Ochoa is a Grade 12 student at Vernon secondary school and a member of Susan Egan’s law 12 class.
