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Court's In Session, Inc. |
Today's youth are often exposed to violence and crime. However, these incidents rarely show the consequences of criminal behavior or the steps involved in bringing a criminal to justice. COURT'S IN SESSION is a pilot program designed by the Fayette Commonwealth Attorney's Office to educate and enlighten children about the workings of the criminal justice system. The importance of good citizenship is stressed, as is the role of a jury. In addition, the program meets several of Kentucky's Learning Goals and Academic Expectations and provides activities students can incorporate in their portfolios. Our children are our future. COURT'S IN SESSION recognizes that raising responsible citizens is an investment to which we must commit.
A fourth or fifth grade class is divided in half. Each half is assigned a scenario involving a felony crime. The teacher assigns each child one of the following roles in the scenario: judge, clerk, bailiff, two prosecutors, two defense attorneys, defendant and witnesses for the prosecution and the defense. Students prepare for the trial. The final session is a field trip to the courthouse where the students conduct the trial. The participants of Scenario II are jurors during the trial of Scenario I. Then, the participants of Scenario I act as jurors during the trial of Scenario II.
I. Conducted at School 1.5 hours Whole group instruction detailing the three branches of government, the four court structure of Kentucky's courts, courtroom personnel and their duties, the order of trial, and elements of an opening and closing statement. Session is taught by course instructors. II. Conducted at School 2 hours Whole group instruction to model how to question a witness. Role play of direct examination, cross examination, introducing evidence, and objection to heresay. Then an instructor meets with each Scenario to run through the order of the trial, listen to opening and closing statements by attorneys, and answer any questions or concerns the students may have. III. Conducted at School 1.5 hours Whole group instruction on what to expect at the courtroom as well as juror responsibilites. Then each instructor works with their scenario=s attorneys as they interview witnesses. IV. Field Trip to Courthouse The class comes to the courthouse to try their cases. They are introduced to the Commonwealth's Attorney and a circuit judge.
"Thank you for coming to our classroom and teaching us about what happens in a courtroom and what they do also. I really enjoyed learning and doing a mock trial. I guess it can be hard work being an attorney, but it can also be fun." -Rebecca, 4th grade "COURT'S IN SESSION combines direct-teaching lessons and cooperative learning activities as well as individual and group accountability. The child becomes an active participant in the learnign process--not just a spectator. Students must make choices and analyze alternatives." -Linda Allgeier, 4th grade teacher "I thought you taught us so much about court that I probably would not need to go to law school to be a lawyer." -Kyle, 4th grade
Susan Keegan |
