Students from Saint Clair Evans Academy and Sabal Palm Elementary had the opportunity to learn about law and make our U.S. Constitution come alive when they participated in a mock trial at the Duval County Courthouse, a project sponsored by the D.W. Perkins Bar Association.
"Participating in a mock trial gives these students the opportunity to experience the legal system in a positive way," said Attorney Sharletta Roberts, an organizer of the mock trial and Perkins Bar Association member.
To prepare for the trial, which occurred in early May to correspond with the American Bar Association's annual Law Day, students spent some time in the classroom practicing the trial and learning about different legal terms and scenarios.
Students at both schools, on separate days, presented the case of Humpty Dumpty vs. Sherman King, with the Honorable Judge Pauline Drayton presiding.
The case was based upon the character of Humpty Dumpty, an entertainer, who was hired by Sherman King, an automobile dealership owner, to make a special appearance for a July 4th sale. During his appearance, Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall and was injured. The plaintiff (Humpty Dumpty) was suing the defendant (Sherman King) for negligence.
Students played the roles of attorneys, jurors and witnesses. There was also a student plaintiff, defendant, bailiff, clerk and court reporter.
When the jury was dismissed from the courtroom to deliberate, Judge Drayton explained the deliberation process to the remaining students and asked for their viewpoints regarding the case. She also explained some of the differences between a real trial versus a trial that students may have seen on television.
Drayton, who also has a master's degree in education and tutors in her spare time, was encouraged by the students’ participation in the legal process.
"Students were in character and well prepared for the mock trial," Judge Drayton said. "It is wonderful for them to have the opportunity to see how the justice system really works."
After the trial was over, Judge Drayton presented each student and audience member with an autographed copy of the U.S. Constitution, which included the Declaration of Independence.
This is the second year students at Saint Clair Evans Academy have participated in Law Day, and the first year for Sabal Palm students. The D.W. Perkins Bar Association has plans to expand Law Day to include other local elementary schools next year.
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