The fable of Jack and the Beanstalk has provided the unusual setting for a trial.
Youngsters at a primary school have been deciding if criminal charges should be brought against the son of the poor old widow for the alleged theft of a giant's bag of gold coins, a hen that lays golden eggs and a magical harp – and for the alleged murder of the giant.
The novel project at St Peter's CE Primary Academy, in Market Bosworth, has been run by law students from the University of Leicester as part of a study on children and the law.
In a mock trial, Jack was played by undergraduate Andrew Donaldson and the youngsters acted as jury members.
Dawn Watkins, senior law lecturer, who played the judge, said: "This helped us gain an understanding of what the children know about law and where it comes from.
"We hope to develop a programme that can be made available to other schools in Leicestershire. Its aim is to develop the children's legal literacy so that they develop an understanding of the law as an empowering force in their lives.
"At the same time, we hope to develop a module through which our students can work in schools as a part of their degree studies."
Final year law student Harriet Jones said: "The day started off with a trial, addressing the heinous acts of Jack, who came to infamy when he scaled the beanstalk.
"After this, the children were allowed to ask Jack questions and then decide upon their verdict.
"Jack was found guilty on the charge of theft and not guilty of murder, so he will no doubt soon be taken to Leicester Prison following his sentencing and mitigation hearing."
Surveyed afterwards, the pupils said despite his conviction for theft Jack was popular with most.
Cameron Collins, nine, said: "I enjoyed the play because I thought someone had actually been brought in handcuffs from the cells, but then I found out it was a role play.
"I liked it when we came in and talked about the different kinds of law and what we can and can't do."
Esther Button, nine, said: "I liked talking about really serious laws and not so serious laws."
In the fable, Jack meets a man on his way back from market who gives him five magic beans in exchange for a cow.
Overnight, they grow into a huge beanstalk which Jack climbs up, discovering a castle where a giant lives.
He steals a bag of gold, a magic hen and a golden harp, but the giant wakes and chases him down the beanstalk.
Jack and his mother cut it down and the giant falls to his death.
St Peter's head teacher Ralph Wood, said: "As a law graduate myself from the University of Leicester, I'm aware of how important it is for young people to get a good grasp of their rights and responsibilities.
"I very much look forward to establishing an ongoing project with the university that will be of great benefit to children and students."
