Members of the public will get an inside view of the work done in the courts during Law Week, which is planned to be introduced this year by the Magistrates’ Court.

According to the 2013 Supreme Court Annual Report, the week is hoped to include special tours, talks and activities for public participation with the aim of increasing public understanding of the court’s role and raise awareness of services and programmes offered in response to community needs.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner wrote: “During this week we would invite those who regularly use and those who do not regularly use Her Magistrates’ Court to come and see what we do here and ‘be involved’ with our business.”

Law Week is expected to include visits by schools. Visitors will learn details of the history and development of Magistrates’ Court and get hands-on access to the workings of the courts.

Mock trials and debates could be organised as part of the educational efforts.

“Magistrates’ Court will provide a forum for the public to observe attorneys and even students making oral submissions (legal arguments) to the Magistrates regarding a specific issue or conflict,” the report states.

“This experience will provide students and the public at large with a view of how the court works and the intricacies of the practice of law.

“The mock trials and debates will highlight the judicial oath which is ‘to do right by all manner of people, without fear or favour, affection or ill will’.”

The dates for Law Week have yet to be announced.

Bermuda Bar Association (BBA) president Justin Williams said the Association is ready to support such an initiative, saying it could prove to be a positive way to introduce middle and senior school students to the legal system.

“It would be beneficial for students to see plea court, a civil court session and a criminal trial, or at least part of one,” he said. “It would promote the concept of respect for the law and that there are penalties and consequences for disobeying the law.

“It would also encourage those students potentially interested in a future career in law to obtain more information and insight into the practice of law and the work of the courts.

“Mock trials would involve volunteer lawyers and magistrates.

“Students would not need to conduct legal research, but could be presented with a simple legal problem, authorities and statutes and asked to read and apply them.”

Mr Williams noted the BBA already hosts the Hector Barcilon Memorial Moot, an annual court session for law students, adding: “There is no reason why the same exercise could not be performed with younger students, 16 and older. No doubt this would encourage younger people to consider a career in law.”

Mr Williams said that as part of Law Week, law firms could sponsor events and organisations such as the Centre for Justice could use the opportunity to provide free legal information.

“It would be an opportunity for local attorneys to help bolster public opinion of the Bar and its members,” he said. “The Bermuda Bar Association thinks that Law Week is an excellent idea for Bermuda and stands ready to support this civically minded initiative.”