Students make up jury pool during Law Day
Attorney General Steve Marshall addresses students during Law Day
Students listen to the trial
Last Thursday and Friday, seniors from seven local high schools got to witness real court cases at the courthouse in Brewton and afterwards render a verdict as part of Escambia County (Ala.) Law Day, sponsored by the Escambia County Bar Association.
On Thursday, Ray Weaver, who was charged for felony possession of a controlled substance, was tried and found guilty by a jury of students from Atmore Christian School, Escambia Academy and Escambia County High School.
The guest speaker on Thursday was Fairhope Attorney Sam Irby and the presiding judge was Dave Jordan. The prosecuting attorneys both days were Melissa Grosso amd Joe Whitt, assistant district attorneys. Attorneys for the defendant Thursday were Jon Crews and Mike Farnsworth.
On Friday, Lacie Williamson, charged with racing and speeding, was tried and found not guilty of racing but guilty of speeding by a jury of students from Cornerstone, Flomaton High School, T.R. Miller High School and W.S. Neal High School.
The guest speaker on Friday was Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, an Atmore native, and the presiding judge was Jeff White. The defendant's attorney was Earnie White.
Both verdicts stood and the defendants agreed to abide by the verdict and penalties.
Students who were not on the jury got to enjoy a cold drink in the parking lot behind the courthouse while students who had been chosen as jurors were sequestered to the jury room and had a cold drink there.
Prior to and during the proceedings, the judge explained actions and reactions of the prosecuting and defending attorneys and various aspects of a trial. Seniors had the chance to be involved in the judicial system and see first hand what role they will play as citizens. The theme this year is 'Free Speech, Free Press, Free Society.'
