Yellowknife (Apr 26/06) - Sweaty palms were the name of the game at St. Patrick high school's mock trial held in the Territorial Court, Friday afternoon.

Students in Sara McGarry's Grade 10-12 law studies class got the chance to act out a court case, playing the parts of lawyers, witnesses, and members of the judicial system with a real-life judge, Brian Bruser.

Grade 10 student Liam Baldwin-O'Neill, also known as "James," awaits his fate in territorial court as part of a mock trial put on by law class students at St. Patrick high school. - Jessica Gray/NNSL photo

"I'm kinda scared," said 18-year-old Lynda Lennie before the trial began.

She played the part of a lawyer for the defence, and said she was nervous about doing the closing arguments in front of her class and the judge.

But this is exactly the kind of learning McGarry wanted her students to take part in.

"It's a hands-on way to learn about the court system," she said.

Students were asked to try a case originally presented by the B.C. Law Society, said Bryan Auge, a member of the Young Lawyers section of the Canadian Bar Association, who was helping the students along.

"The case is about criminal negligence causing death," he said.

The case involved a man named "James" who was accused of killing a man and his daughter by crashing into them with his car.

Throughout the proceedings, Bruser explained to the students what was happening and what his thoughts were, as well as how important the students' roles were in the judicial system.

He made sure to speak about the seriousness of his job and the realities of trying a court case.

"Court is never fun. Sentencing and jailing people is not fun," said Judge Bruser adding, "but we'll have fun today."

In the end, "James was convicted of criminal negligence.

"I didn't believe anything he had to say," said Bruser.

Parents were invited to attend the mock trial.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to see this type of profession," said parent Tammy Soanes-White. Her daughter Lindsay was a lawyer for the defence.

At the end of the day the students said they enjoyed themselves and the opportunity to see what happens in a court room first hand.

"It's pretty cool," said Grade 10 Liam Baldwin-O'Neill, who played the part of the accused. "I think the kids had a lot of fun and learned a lot," said Auge.

This is the third year McGarry has done this project with her law studies class.