After months of preparation, Grade 7 and 8 students from St. Mary’s Wellness and Education Centre—turned lawyers, witnesses and jury members—have had their big day in court.

Students held a criminal mock trial (assault causing bodily harm) before the Honourable Judge Gerald Morin at the University of Saskatchewan on Friday, March 4.

The mock trial is part of the Dare to Dream program put on by Level, a non-profit, charitable organization that levels the playing field and unites the power of people, education and law to create a more equitable and just society.

“Dare to Dream engages Canada’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth through fun justice-education workshops delivered by members of the local legal community,” said Brittany Twiss, executive director at Level. “We’re fortunate to have the support of Judge Morin, the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan, and the incredible legal community in Saskatoon.”

“Justice, social justice and working with partners are at the heart of what we do as a school community,” said Katrina Sawchuk, principal at St. Mary’s. “Students put a lot of time and effort into preparing for the trial. I wouldn’t be surprised if this sparked interest in a legal career for a few of them.”