District Attorney’s Leadership Academy gives local students hands-on courtroom experience

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — High school and college students got a firsthand look at careers in the criminal justice system this week through the District Attorney’s Leadership Academy, culminating in a mock trial Friday in Wilmington.

Twenty-six students spent the week at the Division of Juvenile Justice building, where they learned about the judicial process by taking on the roles of attorneys, witnesses, defendants and courtroom staff.

For rising Laney High School junior Tyler Wasylek, the program offered a chance to explore his career goals.

“I want to pursue a career in like the government, the CIA or FBI,” Wasylek said.

Throughout the week, students learned how to build a case, deliver opening statements, present evidence, question witnesses and make closing arguments before putting those skills to the test during the mock trial.

“It’s great you get an insight you would never usually get from the outside looking in,” Wasylek said.

During the competition, Wasylek served as a cross examiner.

“I’m a cross examiner, the prosecution will bring up it’s witness and then they will direct examine the witness and kind of get them to tell a story and then I will basically go up and cross examine them and try to get them to prove my point with the facts,” he said.

New Hanover and Pender County District Attorney Jason Smith said the academy focuses on building skills that extend beyond the courtroom.

“Logical reasoning, deductive reasoning, public speaking… educate yourself on whatever topic it is and learn from both sides, what is this topic about and then you take a position and then you argue for it,” Smith said.

Recent Cape Fear Academy graduate Greyson Wilcox returned to the program this summer after participating last year, serving as a prosecutor during the mock trial.

“It’s a really fun experience and it’s also a great resume builder,” Wilcox said.

Wilcox said success in the courtroom depends on teamwork as much as persuasive arguments.

“I put more emphasis on the different types of examinations with my team and they really came through, pulled their way and kicked some serious butt,” Wilcox said.

At the conclusion of the mock trial, each participant received a certificate of completion.

Wilcox said the academy offers valuable insight into the criminal justice system, regardless of whether participants ultimately pursue careers in law.

“Having an understanding of law enforcement, the judicial system, welfare system, the different factors the cause people to commit crimes This program gives an amazing understanding of that,” Wilcox said.

The District Attorney’s Office plans to bring the Leadership Academy back next summer, giving another group of students the opportunity to experience the criminal justice system firsthand.