Several Girl Guides shook their heads in courtroom nine’s prisoner box as a judge found them guilty of their various offences.
But instead of taking them away to jail, each Girl Guide—guilty or not—received a badge and handshake from the judge for participating in a mock trial.
The Girl Guide arrests and mock trials were one of several events featured at Law Day 2014 Saturday.
“It’s a lot of fun,” said Laura Myles, president of the Kelowna Bar Association.
“They’re sort of getting a glimpse of what we do, but in a very entertaining way.”
Myles said the purpose of the annual event is to give people a chance to understand how the justice system works.
“I think it’s a big mystery to a lot of people.
“That’s a big reason why we put on this event, so people can actually come in and meet some lawyers and…go in a courtroom. Because lots of people haven’t been in a courtroom.”
RCMP Victim Services, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada, Elizabeth Fry Society, Kelowna Women’s Shelter, Legal Services Society, Justice Education Society of BC, Courthouse Libraries BC and Collaborative Law had booths set up inside Kelowna Law Courts providing information about their organizations.
Kelowna RCMP and firefighters were also set up in front of the courthouse, letting children check out their vehicles and giving demonstrations.
Myles said Law Day helps dispel misconceptions people may have about the justice system.
“(We’re) giving people who who wouldn’t otherwise set foot inside a courthouse a chance to come in and see what actually happens here.”
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
Twitter: @PatersonWade
