Roxanne's reflections on the 2015 D2D program delivery in Siksika Nation, AB

Level's Dare to Dream program once again brought together Pro Bono Students Canada - University of Calgary law students and McCarthy Tétrault LLP volunteers to work through a mock trial with students from the Siksika Storefront School in 2015. 

Level's Dare to Dream program once again brought together Pro Bono Students Canada - University of Calgary law students and McCarthy Tétrault LLP volunteers to work through a mock trial with students from the Siksika Storefront School in 2015.

Before the trial, students worked in small groups with law students and legal professionals to develop the skills and understanding required to run a criminal mock trial. Once students felt comfortable utilizing their legal skills they volunteered for roles in an exciting scenario involving a youth on youth assault charge. The scenario involved multi-faceted characters and facts where the guilt of the accused was all but certain.

Students enthusiastically developed their characters, and worked with volunteers to become zealous advocates. As both the Defence and the Crown presented their arguments and witnesses to the Court, the Jury assessed whether the Accused had been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, ultimately rendering a verdict of not guilty.

The successful conclusion of the trial was celebrated with a pizza party for all participants, and volunteers were surprised with speeches by several students expressing their gratitude for the program and hopes to continue working with the Level's and Probono Students of Canada and McCarthy Tétrault LLP volunteers!

Special thanks to Level's generous program sponsors including RBC Foundation, Calgary Foundation, LexisNexis Canada, and Field Law!