Our Day in Court!
It was a rainy morning on December 9th, 2004 when the fifth grade ALP students boarded a bus headed towards the Cobb County Superior Courthouse. One would never have realized the dreariness outside because inside the courthouse the children were bubbling with excitement!
For the fourteenth consecutive year, fifth grade students in the ALP program at Eastvalley studied the judicial system, as they acted as attorneys and witnesses in a mock trial presented in front of Superior Court Judge James Bodiford. Judge Bodiford has been presiding over the cases presented at the courthouse since 1992. This year’s case was entitled: “The State vs. Rob Thorpe”. Rob Thorpe was accused of stealing a valuable locket and was charged with grand larceny.
Developing this mock trial has been an invaluable learning experience as the children learn how to think analytically and evaluate information. Mock trials provide these skills and give children the opportunity to participate in a “hands-on” experience as they learn “first-hand” about courtroom procedures and roles people play in it. They learn to view the courtroom as the legal vehicle through which our society resolves disputes.
The children were divided into prosecution and defense teams and worked diligently preparing for their roles as attorneys and witnesses. Each legal team prepared their legal strategy as they examined testimony presented by the witnesses and developed direct and cross-examination questions. Opening and closing statements were also given.
For many years, the children and I have reaped the benefits of expertise from present and former parents in our school. Thanks to Mrs. Mollie Halle, an attorney with the FBI and Mr. Ray Smith, a supervisory special agent with the FBI, for having spent hours and hours of their time advising me and coaching the students for many years. Even Mr. Smith’s brother, Officer Don Smith came on board this year sharing his expertise about gathering fingerprints. We have been in the past, and continue to be, a great team!
I also want to thank Caroline Polakowski for all the work she has done to publicize this exciting event, and David Wallace and Karen Kraeger for being our videographers!
In conclusion, what an experience for the children this has been and certainly one that will be remembered a lifetime!
Rita Bodner,
ALP