Disney on trial: How students used hit film to teach law


Primary school pupils got a lesson in the law by Law LLB students using the characters in Disney’s most successful film, Frozen.

frozen-inset

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) students put the stars of Frozen on trial for pupils at Launde Primary School in Oadby.

Prince Hans stood trial for attempted murder of Princess Anna – having allegedly left her dying of cold, locked in a room with no fire.

Law students from DMU’s Street Law team put on the show and wrote the script to try to introduce children to the idea of studying law.

Megan McCarthy, defence barrister, said: “The key skill is to take the legal jargon and break it down for the children which is really good practice because we will have to explain complex legal words to juries in the future.”

Tom Pickwell, prosecutor, said: “The trial we did is part of our first year material so it helps us to consolidate our knowledge.”

BBC Radio Leicester covered their trial at Launde. You can listen here from 1 hour 55 mins.

Street Law is an extra-curricular activity for law students, allowing them to develop the skill of explaining complex legal ideas in clear and accessible language.

They are encouraged to use their creativity to stage mock trials and presentations, developing skills which are highly valued by employers and providing a tremendous experience in their chosen career.

Law lecturer Alwyn Jones works with the Street Law students, providing support and advice.

He said: “How can you bring the law to life for primary school age children? Street Law rose to the challenge by writing a mock trial using the story in the popular film Frozen.

“If someone is in danger of dying and another person refuses to help, is the person who refuses to help guilty of a crime? This trial was fun and educational, raising thought-provoking questions about the duties we owe to help people in danger.

“I’m proud of the creativity, hard work and team-work of our students and their commitment to informing people in the community about legal issues.”
Posted on Thursday 23 April 2015

  Search news archive