Class in court: pupils argue own lawsuit
On Monday 24 March 2025, pupils of the fifth and sixth years of primary school De Esdoorn from Hombeek had a unique opportunity to experience the workings of justice up close. During an educational role-play in the court of Mechelen, they took on the role of judge, lawyer, defendant and prosecutor. This is part of the Advocaat op School project, which interactively introduces children to the workings of the rule of law and the crucial role a lawyer plays in it.
A revamped approach for stronger impact
Today, pupils from The Maple tested the final revamped trial. The concept of Lawyer at School has been around for years, but was revamped. On the basis of interviews with children, young people, law students and lawyers (trainees), the project was reworked to fit in better with young people's world. In addition, a motivated working group of lawyers, bar staff and teachers helped optimise the content. Today, the final role-play took place.
Fascinating court case: who is right?
The students dealt with a fictional case in which Robin Tromson accuses his classmate Sam Kinnoa of burglary, theft and vandalism after precious birds disappeared from an aviary. The big question was: what really happened? The court environment and role-sharing allowed the pupils to discover for themselves how the legal system works and which arguments can be decisive in a court case.
"Children learn best by doing. By letting them actively participate in a court game, we bring justice to life and make it accessible to this generation."
Why is this important?
By introducing young people to justice in a playful and realistic way, they learn how the legal system works and why the rule of law is essential. They discover how a lawyer acts as a defender of everyone's rights and what role they play in a fair trial. The project stimulates their critical thinking and argumentation skills and contributes to their civic awareness.
"With initiatives like Advocate at School, we give young people the opportunity to experience the impact of laws and justice for themselves. This is crucial for them to grow up to become critical and well-informed citizens."
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