One Has Been Served
“As a first case experience, there are many kinks that we need to work out. After each case the court reflects on the procedures and process. Sometimes we need to make changes and adjustments as we best see fit. All cases are a success, regardless of the outcome, “ Assistant Principal Mrs. Poulos said. Photo attributions to Alicia Massey.
by Alicia Massey, staff reporter
Student Law Court is up and running. Ninth graders served as both part of the prosecution and defense. The subject matter was bullying.
“We saw the situation, as attorney for the plaintiff, and we were able to prove the defendant to be guilty,” plaintiff attorney Serena Minca said.
Both the defendant and plaintiff were seventh graders. The defendant was accused of bullying the plaintiff. The defendant and plaintiff were both given attorneys which were ninth graders who had argued in favor of their client.
“As a first case experience, there are many kinks that we need to work out. After each case the court reflects on the procedures and process. Sometimes we need to make changes and adjustments as we best see fit. All cases are a success, regardless of the outcome, “ Assistant Principal Mrs. Poulos said.
In the end, the defendant was found to be guilty and is awaiting further consequences.
“Our cases focus on Due Process for our students and school community. The fact that students have a place where they can go to address an issue, concern or low level infraction benefits all parties involved. The Law Court students work diligently to best support their clients, and see that justice is served as per the Chancellor’s Code of Discipline,” Poulos said.
There is a simple form to be completed in order to build a case and bring it to the Student Law Court’s attention. The forms can be found in the main office.
“I don’t feel like I was represented enough, but I’m waiting to see what punishment I get. They gave me counseling as part of it,” anonymous defendant said.