Mock trial teaches local students the foundations of law at DA Leadership Academy
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover and Pender County District Attorney’s office held the DA Leadership Academy this week.
It’s a program for rising junior and seniors in high school, to learn hands-on about the judicial system.
“God save this state and this honorable court please be seated and come to order,” mock trial bailiff said.
The DA Leadership Academy is an opportunity for students in New Hanover and Pender counties to learn more about the judicial system with a mock trial.
Legal assistant in the DA’s office, Christine Schuler, helps with the program and says the kids work hard all week preparing for the trial.
“Assistant district attorneys in our office prep them all week long, they teach them how to do opening statements, direct and cross examination, evidence, exhibits, and closing statements,” Schuler shared.
Recent Hoggard graduate Arturo Arbona Rosa has been a part of the academy for three years and says he’s been able to help others in the program.
“Figure out how this goes how to come up with questions closings openings and prepare for this mock trial and it’s been really fun working with these people,” Arbona Rosa explained.
Rosa learned about the judicial system through his parents who were attorneys and now he is planning on going to law school.
“This academy though has taught me a lot more about that and has really made it clear that this is what I wanna do,” Arbona Rosa said.
Greyson Wilcox also took part in the mock larceny and breaking and entering trial.
“DA Smith actually talked to us about this, he said if we take one thing away from this program, it’s how to critically think and I think this program has really taught us that,’ Wilcox stated.
According to Wilcox, having an understanding of the judicial system is crucial.
“Just making sure that we have a foundation of how the law works. Without that, it would make our lives a lot harder if we don’t have a program like this. I think that having us, as students, engage in the community like this…it’s invaluable,” Wilcox shared.
District attorney Jason Smith was unable to attend the event but released the following statement in a press release.
“The DA Leadership Academy has become an annual tradition in our office, inviting students with an interest in the law to have a front-row seat to our work. These high-performing students have demonstrated their ability to explore complex legal scenarios, ask engaging questions, and present their mock trial cases this afternoon. I hope that their experiences this week will give them a greater appreciation for the Criminal Justice System as they continue their academic pursuits and explore other civic engagement in our community.”
