SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
It's a judge! It's a lawyer! It's ... Superman?

Crown prosecutor Cecilia Bastedo grills Superman, played by Chris Buchanan, on the witness stand in Supreme Court in Yellowknife on Thursday. It was alleged the Man of Steel broke a warehouse wall last fall, entering the premises illegally. - Daniel Campbell/NNSL photo

That's right folks. The Man of Steel himself was on trial in NWT Supreme Court on Thursday.

Accused of breaking down a brick wall on Old Airport Road in November and illegally entering a warehouse, Superman's trial was less an attempt to clear his name, and more a chance to educate youth on the intricacies of a jury trial.

Sue Glowach, senior communications with the justice department, organized the mock trial with the help of the Canadian Bar Association.

"I approached members of the bar and they just ran with it," she said.

Dozens of students from Sir John Franklin High School packed the court for the two-hour trial. Although it involved a real judge, Crown prosecutor, defence lawyer, court clerk, sheriff and 12-member jury -- the trial was a show, with the script written by a student from Vancouver, B.C.

Sarah Kay co-ordinated the trial on behalf of the Northwest Territories Law Society and the Canadian Bar Association. She said it's not the first time they've held mock trials, but Thursday was the first time they did it in a real courthouse with a real judge.

Kay said although lawyers can often have pretty tight schedules, she had no problem finding those willing to volunteer their time.

"They recognize the value of exercises like these," she said.

Glowach said once she approached the judges about the plan, they immediately saw the importance. The main problem Glowach had was securing a courtroom and jury room for the trial -- not an easy task with the citys packed court schedule.

"We don't use our courts frivolously. Ever," she said.

Fortunately, a cancelled jury trial meant a spot became available during Law Week.

Students were shuffled into the courtroom Thursday afternoon by the court sheriff, who dutifully told them to turn off their cellphones.

Other than the outfit of the accused, the jury trial was just like any other. Students were drawn at random to serve on the jury and the rest were allowed to watch the proceedings from the gallery.

Kirianne Ashley, 15, was lucky enough to make it on to the jury.

"It was kind of funny," she said.

"I knew it would be more interesting to be on the jury and I was the first one called."

Ashley said she knew basic information about the court process, but nothing about the many small details that go into a trial.

"We had to listen very closely, because we knew what we heard would affect our decision," she said.

With six witnesses being called to the stand, including the famed Lois Lane and Superman himself, there was certainly a lot to take in.

Crown prosecutor Cecilia Bastedo tried her best to make out the case against Superman, but was unable to get anyone to testify they saw Superman break the warehouse wall.

Defence attorney Peter Harte defended his client aptly, at one point asking the jury if they'd rather look up in the sky and see "a bird, a plane, or Superman acquitted of these ridiculous charges."

During the jury's deliberations, Justice Shannon Smallwood took the time to answer questions from the public. She offered explanations to different parts of the trial process, like why people were wearing robes and what to do if you can't hear a witnesses' testimony.

After a brief adjournment, the 12 students from Sir John Franklin came back with their verdict: not guilty.

Kay said she was happy students took in the trial.

"Many, many countries don't have those same rights and freedoms, and when you have the ability to see how it works, it helps educate people about the value of the freedoms that we have as Canadians," she said.

Glowach hoped the trial showed youth what happens in court is a lot different from what they see on television.

"Kids need to understand it is a serious thing and it will impact your life."