BlakeLaw Goes to Court: Field Trip to the Courthouse

Written by: Kate Puhlmann

Edited by: Madeleine Homer

Photo by: Xee Aprile 

On Wednesday, March 26th, 2025, the Grade 11 and 12 law classes went downtown Toronto to visit the Superior Court of Justice for a field trip. The trip was organized by Mr. Stainton, who was accompanied by Mr. Alchesi as a teacher supervisor. 

“I found it interesting and I learned a lot,” said student Sarah Merchant about the trip. “The courthouse was very pretty.”

While at the courthouse, the students had the privilege of being able to sit in active courtrooms while trials were going on. Each student received a piece of paper that displayed the cases appearing in each courtroom. This list included trials with criminal organizations, firearms, assault, dangerous driving, and even murder. It is a little known fact that courtrooms are open to the public, and anyone can sit in on a trial.

The students of T.A. Blakelock were very respectful while at the courthouse, even engaging with a judge who, at the end of a trial, did a question and answer session with them. The judge discussed topics of education, how long he was in the field, and which role each person in the courtroom conducted. Along with the judge, the defense lawyer and crown attorney also spoke to the students about their roles in the legal system and the process of becoming a lawyer. 

The field trip to the courthouse was an eye-opening experience that gave students a firsthand look at how a courtroom and the Canadian legal system operate, and demonstrated the importance of court and the process of trial. Having the opportunity to be in the courtroom while real cases were actively happening was a unique and exciting chance to explore the world of law.