For the third consecutive year, Cain Hibbard’s Jennifer Carpenter volunteered her time to coach seventh and eighth grade schoolers at Reid Middle School who participated in the Discovering Justice’s Mock Trial Program. This program, which includes 34 middle schools across Massachusetts, teaches students how the judicial system works through hands-on experience in a real courtroom with a real judge.
Over the course of several weeks, Attorney Carpenter worked closely with enthusiastic middle schoolers preparing for the mock trial, helping them to craft persuasive arguments, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and deliver opening and closing statements. The mock trial was conducted at the Central Berkshire District Court in Pittsfield, where students faced off in a case that explored contemporary First Amendment issues.
The case was brought by a fictional student (played by Cain Hibbard’s Greta Luf) who was suspended for organizing a protest against a school’s cellphone ban. The students, acting as attorneys for both the plaintiff and the defendant, presented arguments as to whether the suspension violated the student’s First Amendment rights. The case was inspired by the landmark Tinker v. Des Moines Supreme Court decision, which established that student speech in public schools can only be restricted if such speech materially disrupts the educational environment.
Attorney Carpenter has seen first-hand how much students benefit from the Mock Trial Program. “Helping students gain exposure to the legal system not only builds their public speaking and critical thinking skills, but it also sparks an interest in law and advocacy at a young age. It's exciting to watch them develop these skills, and the mock trial is a great opportunity for them to see the fruits of their hard work,” Carpenter said. Luf likewise was impressed by the middle schoolers’ advocacy: “It was inspiring to see these students tackle complex legal issues with such enthusiasm and dedication. I was so pleased to be able to contribute to the effort,” said Luf.
Following jury deliberation (of 10 minutes), a verdict was handed down in favor of the student, lifting her suspension. Judge Nicholas Parsenios congratulated the students on their impressive performances. "You all have more trial experience than most law school graduates," he joked, noting the sophistication and depth of the students' arguments.
This year marked the first time the mock trial program was open to all students at Reid Middle School, not just student council members, and the program continues to grow in popularity.
See the article here : https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/central_berkshires/reid-middle-school-mock-jury-trial/article_97c3f9c0-b7dc-11ef-b3e7-ebef07d9ecf1.html
Photo by Ben Graver