This spring British Columbians had a chance to go behind the scenes at three courthouses. They visited cells, participated in mock trials and scavenger hunts, and learned about the court system from judges, lawyers, court clerks and sheriffs in free, family-friendly open houses in Victoria, Rossland and Cranbrook. 

All three events got rave reviews, delighting organizers who wanted to revive this Law Day tradition after it lapsed during the pandemic. Cranbrook Law Courts Manager Denis Senecal explained, “Through hands‑on activities, demonstrations, and exciting educational experiences these open houses can really bring the justice system to life for people of all ages.”

In Victoria on April 18, the open house attracted about 1200 people. A committee of lawyers, legal support staff, sheriffs, court registry staff, and BC Courthouse Libraries staff, chaired by lawyer Clare Jennings KC, organized activities including:

• A Talk with Judges: BC Provincial Court Judge Carmen Rogers and Supreme Court Justice Gareth Morley explained to a packed courtroom how they became judges and what their work involves. As she left the courtroom Judge Rogers said how much she enjoyed the session: “There were so many excellent questions from the audience!”
• R. v. Pawbert Lynxley: The Zootopia 2 villain was put on trial for attempting to murder Officer Judy Hopps. Costumed local lawyers and articling students acted as witnesses. Provincial Court Judge Micah Rankin presided with a jury of children who quickly found Mr. Lynxley guilty, Judge Rankin reported. 
• Tours of courthouse cells and sheriffs’ vans: Sheriffs hosted behind-the-scenes visits.
• A K-9 demonstration: Charming watchers, Police Service Dog Basco of the Integrated Canine Service showed off scenting and tracking skills.
• A Passport to Justice: 23 local groups that provide justice-related services set up information tables in the halls. Visitors quizzed presenters at the tables for answers needed to fill out their passports and entered them in a draw for prizes. 

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The historic courthouse In Rossland was also on display on April 18, with the public invited to: 

• See the Rossland Museum’s display about the history of the 125-year-old Rossland Law Courts
• Visit courthouse cells for demonstrations of arrests and fingerprinting
• Inspect police and sheriffs’ vehicles
• Sit in the jury box to watch a mock trial or a mock bail hearing put on by lawyers in the Kootenay Bar Association. Actors included members of court registry staff and Provincial Court Judge Tyleen Underwood, who played every role except the judge. 
• Take part in a scavenger hunt and colouring station organized by court registry staff, and enjoy a snack provided by the Bar Association. 

Teresa Mah, Rossland’s Manager of Registry Operations, organized the event and coordinated the Rossland and Nelson courthouse staff members, Nelson sheriffs, Kootenay lawyers, Trail RCMP members, and Rossland Museum volunteers who participated in the lively day.  

Judge Underwood said, “My experience was fantastic! It was nice to see such a range of visitors from our local communities – some adults with serious questions about court procedure and on the other end of the spectrum, children who paid close attention to the bail hearings and wanted to know more about what the accused person did or how long he would stay in jail. I think visitors saw how all the court participants respect each other and our different responsibilities and work together to make the system work, even when they’re on different sides or must be impartial.”

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In Cranbrook, Law Courts Manager Denis Senecal coordinated participation by court registry staff, sheriffs, RCMP members from Cranbrook and Highway Patrol, Kootenay Bar Association, local libraries, Courthouse Libraries’ Law Matters Program and Mount Baker Secondary Law Program at an open house on April 11. They offered:

• A vehicle collision scenario and investigation demonstrating how police examine a collision scene and process evidence 
• Mock bail hearings, and a mock jury trial organized by grade 12 law students from Mount Baker Secondary School
• The legal resources available at the Courthouse Law Library
• A scavenger hunt
• Law enforcement vehicles on display
• Cell block tours
• Crime prevention and safety information shared by Community Policing
• Free hot dogs (while supplies lasted)

Provincial Court Judge Mandy Klein got to see things from a different perspective during the open house. She acted as the court clerk in the mock bail hearings. She said, “Our Law Day in Cranbrook was a big success. It was a great way for members of the community to get a glimpse of what goes on in our courthouse. And I was particularly impressed by the work the Mount Baker Secondary students did on the mock trial they presented.” 

Denis Senecal probably summed it up for most of the participants and visitors when he enthused, “It was so much fun!”

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Chief Judge Gillespie added, “Law Day open houses provide an excellent opportunity for the public to learn more about how the court system operates in practice. Judges value these occasions to engage informally with community members, answer questions, and help demystify the justice system. Congratulations to everyone involved in organizing and delivering such creative and engaging activities. Your efforts play an important role in promoting public understanding of our courts and law.”