2011 Law Week - Cranbrook Mock Trial

  • April 27, 2011

A mock trial for Lou Sur was held at 7:00 pm on April 27, 2011 at Key City Theatre, 20 - 14th Avenue North, Cranbrook. The much feared Mr Justice Hangem presided in the mock trial of Lou Sur, a 40 year old construction worker, who was charged with break and enter and theft over $5,000. The defendant has a lengthy criminal record with five impaired convictions in the past 10 years and convictions for two assaults causing bodily harm, one fraud and two public mischiefs. There was a Corbett Application in the absence of the jury after the close of the Crown’s case.

The Honourable Judge William Sheard of the Provincial Court of British Columbia participated in the mock trial as the court clerk. Lawyer Rick Strahl portrayed the accused, Lou Sur. Crown Counsel Irma Chase was portrayed by Karen Penate de Moffat, an experienced Crown Counsel with 20 years of experience. Scott Free, an experienced barrister with 34 years of experience, was the defense counsel. Crown Counsel Andrew Mayes and Ann Katrine Saettler portrayed the witnesses. Court Clerk Denis Senecal was Judge Hangem and Sheriff Boyd McNamar portrayed the sheriff. The jury consisted of members of the public who were chosen by a random draw. Members of the public were given a ticket for the draw as they entered the courtroom. Use of the theatre was donated through the generosity of the Key City Theatre Society.