Third graders put Goldilocks on trial in Law Day classroom visit

In celebration of Law Day, Attorney Olivia Bensinger of Shaheen & Gordon brought the courtroom to the classroom with a lively mock trial at Canterbury Elementary School. On a recent visit to a third-grade class, Bensinger guided students through a playful yet educational legal exercise based on the classic fairy tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Students enthusiastically stepped into the roles of judge, jury, prosecution, and defense as they examined whether Goldilocks had broken the law by entering the bears’ home uninvited. As part of the mock trial, students learned essential legal principles, including:

A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Juries are composed of ordinary citizens who decide cases based on the evidence presented.

Judges are responsible for determining appropriate sentencing when a defendant is found guilty.

After hearing the facts, the student jury found Goldilocks guilty of trespassing but not guilty of causing property damage. The student judge issued a sentence of probation and a $2 fine for unauthorized porridge consumption.

Classroom visits like this bring civics education to life and help students understand how the justice system works. While Law Day is officially celebrated on May 1, attorneys are encouraged to participate in law-related education programs throughout the year.

For more information about how to get involved, contact NHBA Law Related Education Coordinator Martha Madsen at mmadsen@nhbar.org.

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