One hundred years ago, Kamloops's legal community got its first law library.

It was set up in the young city's third courthouse, the imposing and regal brick structure on West Seymour Street.

The law library's lineage will be celebrated today as lawyers, judges, sheriffs and other courthouse workers stage Law Day, an annual event to promote legal issues in B.C. communities.

There will be other Law Day events as well, including a mock trial, RCMP demonstrations and courthouse tours. The festivities get underway at 5 p.m. and run until 8 p.m.

Denise Caldwell, the law librarian, said staff in period costumes will conduct tours of the courthouse library.

As well, there will be a display of historical photographs of Kamloops's three historic courthouses, including the log courthouse on First Avenue that hosted the trial of train robber Billy Miner.

A treasure hunt for children and booths from various community groups are also planned. ICBC will have a tricycle course for people wearing "drunk goggles."

Sheriffs will provide guided tours of cells and prison areas.

Law Day is part of B.C. Law Week, an initiative of the Canadian Bar Association. Law Week celebrates the signing of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

As part of Law Week, the B.C. Branch of the Canadian Bar Association will hold its provincewide Dial-A-Lawyer event. People are invited to call 1-800-663-1919 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to speak with a lawyer for up to 15 minutes at no cost.



© 2010 The Daily News (Kamloops)
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Page: A3
Section: City & Region
Source: The Daily News