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REPULSE BAY - A Grade 12 student at Tusarvik school in Repulse Bay got a good look at the Nunavut justice system in action earlier this month.

Stanley Kopak, 19, was chosen to assist court clerk Leslie Akeeshoo while court was in session in Repulse.

Court clerk Leslie Akeeshoo gives Tusarvik school Grade 12 student Stanley Kopak some documents to be copied during the Nunavut circuit court's sitting in Repulse Bay earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Leonie Aissaoui

School principal Leonie Aissaoui said Kopak was selected because of his keen interest in the courts and the criminal justice system, and his desire to learn more about them.

"This was a wonderful learning opportunity for Stanley (Kopak)," said Aissaoui.

"For a day and a half he assisted the clerk by doing various tasks such as photocopying documents.

"He sat with the clerk in court to gain first-hand experience on how the justice system works."

Kopak said he was eager to learn about court sessions. The process proved to be lot different than he thought it would be.

"I thought I'd be doing more writing with pen and paper than typing on the computer," said Kopak.

"It was interesting, though, especially having to listen carefully and record everything the judge said. If the court clerk doesn't get something properly, he or she can get it from the court reporter. They have to have all the information recorded 100 per cent correctly, without any mistakes."

Kopak giggled and said he resisted the temptation to be nosy when he was given documents to copy and didn't read any of them.

He said he did what was asked of him as quickly as he could and gave the documents right back.

"I enjoyed the experience and would certainly like to help out again if I got the chance.

"I hope I did well enough that they'll ask me back again."

Aissaoui said the clerk told her she was very happy with Kopak's effort. Nothing is finalized, she said, but Kopak may get a chance to do it again.

"Stanley worked the first half-day the court was in town," said Aissaoui. "The following day, I asked the clerk if she would like someone different because I thought it would be good to give another interested student a chance.

"She was very quick to decline my offer and said they'd like to have Stanley back, so Stanley it was."