As we've done in the past, we covered two trials last week where seniors from high schools across Escambia County (Ala.) made up the jury pool to decide the fate of two suspects charged with real crimes.
Sponsored by the Escambia County Bar Association, the Law Day experience has not only won the bar association multiple national awards, it provides a great learning experience for our students.
These are not mock trials. The 12 high school seniors who make up the jury have the responsibility to listen to the evidence, deliberate and return a verdict. If found not guilty, the suspect goes free. If found guilty, he or she has to pay the consequences.
The students get a first-hand look at how the judicial system works. In addition to the trial itself, they are told about the process.
Judges and lawyers tell the students how a criminal case proceeds through the court system – from arrests to indictment and to trial.
Many bar associations hold poster contests, essay contests and mock trials to celebrate Law Day. That's kind of like playing a spring football jamboree – it's fun, but it's not the real thing.
We salute the county's bar association for taking the time and effort needed to make Law Day a special occasion for our high school students.
It is an event they will remember for a very long time.
