The Courtroom Experience: Engaging Fourth Graders in the World of Justice
Pupils Engage in Fun, Educational Activities
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As kids learn to color within the lines, they simultaneously start understanding that there's a set of rules that govern our world. The perfect age to enlighten them about the rule of law matches their expanding horizons in elementary school. The Gartenschule in Karlsruhe shows us an entertaining and educational way to achieve this.
A grown-up in a defense attorney's hoodie, with the hood neatly covering his black robe, faces a nervy Greta "Fingers." Greta, despite having prepared her notes, initially opts to remain silent. Then, she claims to have won a knife at a raffle, which a store detective later found on her while shopping for sneakers. She is charged with theft involving a weapon and, unsurprisingly, finds the court's verdict to be "fair and just."
The real Greta, not her pseudonym, switches into the role of the accused at the Karlsruhe Administrative Court. Some of her classmates, dressed in mini robes, play witness, defense attorney, prosecutor, and judge. Others take the position of spectators.
Greta shared that the experience left her feeling excited and nervous, as she had to think on her feet and come up with an excuse on the spot.
Educational Opportunities on the Rule of Law
School involvement with the local court in Karlsruhe has been ongoing since 2019, thanks to a parent who worked at the court and organized a mock trial project. Legal training for children and young people of varying age groups offers similar opportunities.
The "Rule of Law in Schools" project aims to foster an understanding about the police and justice system.
"This is an incredible treasure for us to participate in," says Patricia Kohl, the teacher at the Gartenschule. The interactive simulations allow students to practice their argumentative skills and coincide nicely with the topic of children's rights at the start of the school year.
Real-Life Cases Taken to the Classroom
Judges Melanie Binninger and Christian Wohlfahrt visited the school before trial day and explained the differences between criminal, civil, and administrative law, the role of the state, and those who make the rules. They then break down three real-life cases to fit a child-friendly context, with each student being assigned a role.
Sneaker Thief Langfinger, Anika "Animal Lover" who fights for the right to keep 19 beavers due to concerns about animal welfare, and Neighbor "Sleepwell," who complains about nightly disturbances, are among the cases explored.
The trampoline case, where Pan "Limping Leg" broke his leg after landing on the hard floor during a failed somersault, also comes up for discussion.
Both the beaver and trampoline cases end without a verdict as the parties agree to reach a settlement. Teacher Kohl is not surprised by this outcome, as finding compromise is an essential goal in class council discussions. Judge Binninger shares her observations that children are open to compromise. "A case doesn't always have to be resolved in black and white." Children, she notes, are eager listeners.
Expert's View
As children grasp the concept of rules at the age of three, they understand the importance of rules in co-existing by their sixth birthday, explains Eva Möhler from the German Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy. Konflikte are a natural part of their lives as they learn to navigate the complexities of life.
With the aid of interactive learning experiences, primary school is an optimal time to introduce the concept of the rule of law, Möhler explains. By engaging with real-world issues, schools can foster empathy, critical thinking, and responsibility in children.
Enthusiastic Students and a Courtroom Adventure
State Prosecutor Annika Hasenpflug, who played the presiding judge in the theft case, shares that her fellow fourth-graders were captivated by the court's verdict and had many insightful ideas throughout the discussion.
Gohan found the theft case a challenge due to his tight-lipped approach. In the trampoline case, he chose to be a lawyer and found this role far more difficult as he knew he'd have to speak up.
Another boy praised the experience as a far cry from a scripted play where everyone already knew their lines. When asked how they will settle disputes in the future, one child responded: "I'll go to court!"
Source: ntv.de, by Marco Krefting, dpa
- School
- Justice
- Children
- The mock trial project, initiated by a parent who worked at the court, is part of the Community policy of engaging schools with the local court, fostering an understanding about the justice system for children and young people.
- During the trial day, the prosecutor, State Prosecutor Annika Hasenpflug, played the presiding judge in one of the cases, and found the fourth-graders to be captivated by the court's verdict, showing an enthusiasm for learning about the rule of law.
- A hoodie, worn by a grown-up in the defense attorney role, was used to create a more realistic courtroom atmosphere during the mock trial, demonstrating the importance of psychology (psychosomatics) in creating an immersive learning experience for kindergarten-aged students.
