Teacher tried in students' court

A teacher was put on trial in the Criminal Court yesterday and her students were judge and jury.

She was found guilty.

About 40 students from Sacred Heart School, aged between 13 and 14, paid an educational visit to the court with Magistrate Doreen Clarke explaining her role in the judicial system.

The group was then led into the Criminal Court where the students occupied the places where the judge, the jury, the prosecution and other key court officials sit.

Dr Clarke suggested that the teacher should sit in the dock, to rupturous applause by the students.

In no time, the jury panel reached its verdict. "Guilty," shouted one of the students.

The tour of the court building was a joint effort between the courts' administration, the Education Ministry and the Office of the Chief Justice.

Acting Chief Justice Joseph D. Camilleri, who also addressed the students, said the visit was an opportunity for the judiciary to get closer to the citizens.

Education Minister Dolores Cristina thanked all those who made the visit possible.