Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The 2nd edition of “Just(ice) for Kids” at Antwerp courthouse welcomed over 900 visitors, featuring guided tours, mock trials, workshops, and partners like CAW, NICC, Victim Support, with President Annelies Laureyssens.
As VRT News reported, the 2nd edition of “Just(ice) for Kids” was held today, Oct 11, 2025, at the Antwerp courthouse. More than 900 people attended, almost double the number from last year’s first edition, which had around 500 participants.
The Butterfly Palace in Antwerp opened its doors for morning and afternoon sessions. The event is organised by the Court of First Instance, the Labour Court, the Justices of the Peace and Police, the Public Prosecution Service, and the Antwerp Bar. Visitors could take guided tours, watch simulated trials, and join workshops that explain how the courts work.
“They shouldn’t be afraid of us. Today, they can see and experience that we are there to help.”
Annelies Laureyssens, President of the Court of First Instance of Antwerp
What happened at Antwerp’s “Just(ice) for Kids” event, and who took part?
The program also included several partner organisations that work with children and justice. These were the CAW, the Children’s Rights Commissioner, Victim Support, Tejo, the Agency for Growing Up, and the NICC (National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology). A forensic doctor was present to explain the role of science in criminal investigations.
“Look at all these smiling faces today—fantastic! It is wonderful to see so many families learning about our courts and the work we do,”
says Annelies Laureyssens, the president of the Antwerp Court of First Instance.
“I think it’s very important to show children who we are and what we do. They don’t have to be afraid of us. We’re here to help. Today they can see and experience that.”
Fiona came to the Butterfly Palace to take part in craft activities during the “Just(ice) for Kids” event. She expressed her excitement about the experience.
“I want to do that here someday. I also really enjoyed watching the court case,”
she said.
Fiona’s mother works at the courthouse as a legal clerk and assists magistrates in their daily work. She said she was happy to see her daughter interested and engaged.
“We just attended a court hearing before the Justice of the Peace. Fiona even suggested an idea for a solution during the session, and she was quite pleased with herself,”
her mother added.
“I supposedly dragged her off her bike and beat her up.”
Nora, about the reenacted trial at the juvenile court
“My grandmother is a youth advocate, and she asked me to be in a play about youth rights,”
Nora says.
“And I went along because I wanted to see it.”
Charlotte adds.
“And there was still a spot available, so that was really cool.”
Other children also explored the interactive workshops at the event. Charlotte said she enjoyed the driving simulator, which recreated the effects of a car accident.
“The workshops are really cool. Especially the car. It spins around like you’ve had an accident,”
she said.
Her friend Nora took part in a mock trial and described her experience.
“I do feel a little nauseous now. I supposedly dragged someone off their bike with some friends, beat them up, and stole their phone. The judge was very strict. I got community service and went to jail,”
she said.
“It felt very real, like we were right in the middle of it,”
says Charlotte.
“It was really scary.”
Nora agreed:
“Yes, it was very intense.” She prefers to focus on acting. “I’d really like to study spoken word and drama.”
The “Just(ice) for Kids” event is an annual initiative held at the Antwerp courthouse, designed to introduce children aged 6 to 16 to the workings of the judicial system engagingly and interactively. The first edition took place on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the Butterfly Palace in Antwerp, offering young participants the opportunity to explore the courthouse, participate in mock trials, and engage in workshops led by various partner organisations.
