The courtroom can be an intimidating place for those who have never had trouble with the law.
Just stepping into the hallowed halls of Justice can be unnerving.
It can be downright scary however, if your first experience in court is to see poor Cinderella giving testimony, especially if she is 6’4” and has a moustache.
The Drumheller Court House celebrated Law Day on Friday, April 20. While it is a regular sitting date for provincial court, after the docket was complete, a different kind of case was heard.
Judge Grieve presided over an action brought forward by Cinderella looking for a $1 million settlement for back pay from the Tremaine family, specifically her evil stepmother.
Attorney Colin Kloot played Cinderella and John Sparling represented her. Giving testimony on her behalf was Prince Charming, played by Hugh Sommerville. Her Fairy Godmother, played by Sharon Clark, also lent her support.
Defending the Tremaine family’s name was Attorney Bob Ross, who represented the evil stepmother played by Trish Lewandowski. Evil stepsister Drizilla, played by Court Librarian Tara McTaggart also gave testimony.
After some convincing testimony, and unconvincing tears, in the end it was grade 9 students from Morrin, Delia, Three Hills and DVSS who decided, and Cinderella won the day.
Following the mock trial the students were able to learn more about the inner working of the court house with presentations from the judiciary, the Drumheller Institution, RCMP, Alberta Sheriffs and court services.
This was the 30th year the Canadian Bar Association, in cooperation with the Alberta Law Foundation and the Law Society of Alberta hold Law Week celebrations. The goal of Law Day is to “increase public awareness and knowledge and to foster a better understanding of our laws and our legal system.”
Events are held throughout the province to mark Law Day.
