Elementary school students participate in Law Day

People who walked past the Adams County Superior Courtroom on May 16 and noticed the trial happening might have thought it was a civil case. At a second glance they would realized the courtroom personnel and jury were all children.

The case was actually a mock trial staged by elementary school students.

Students residing in eastern Adams County were invited to the courthouse for Law Day. The trial was one of the activities the children participated in during the event.

Organizer and Attorney K. Peter Palubicki explained Law Day was an opportunity for students to learn about courtroom procedures and personnel.

The mock trial also allowed students to watch a case with their peers portraying attorneys, a judge, bailiff and other courtroom personnel. Students participating in the trial received help from attorneys and court staff.

For the mock trial, defendant Judy Student portrayed by Sonia Landis, was charged with allegedly stealing a hat from a store. Student pleaded not guilty to the charge.

According to witness testimony by the store clerk, played by Henry McRae, he had seen Student at the store’s front entrance with the hat she had not paid for. He called 911 and a police officer was dispatched to find and bring Student back to the store.

Student admitted to the clerk she had taken the hat outside of the store without paying, but she did not intend to steal it. The police officer searched her bag and found hats with price tags missing and no sales receipts. Student’s friend explained the hats were brought back because they were the wrong size.

During her testimony, Student explained she brought the hat the front counter until she saw her friend walk by the front of the store. She left the store to ask her friend to loan her money for the hat, not realizing she still had it, when the police officer approached her.

In his cross examination of the defendant, the prosecuting attorney, played by Austin Curtis, brought up a prior incident where Student attempted to steal a hat two years prior.

The defense attorney, portrayed by Alyssa Williams, objected to the question as Student was only on trial for the incident at the mall.

LeaCadia Bren, portraying the judge, said the objection is sustained and told the jury not to consider the prosecutor’s question and to dismiss it as they think about the current trial.

After the witness testimony, the jurors left the courtroom to deliberate. The jury returned and could not decide on a verdict.

The students learned that in a criminal trial, all 12 jurors must unanimously agree whether or not the defendant is guilty.

They also learned a jury can request more time to deliberate a verdict.

If the jury cannot reach a verdict, the result is a mistrial and the case may be tried at a later date.

In an event where the jury reaches a guilty verdict, students learned the judge decides on a sentence according to state law.

District Court Judge Adalia Hille said the judge bases their decision on recommendation from the prosecutor and the defense attorney.

Although the jury cannot take a defendant’s previous incidents into consideration during a trial, Hille noted the judge can take into account an individual’s criminal record when it comes to sentencing.

Students also learned jurors take an oath not to discuss the case with anyone. Jurors can ask the judge questions, but they cannot indicate which verdict they are leaning toward.

Palubicki added a trial could shut down if a juror shares details about the case outside of the courtroom.

Students also learned other aspects of court, such as the role of a bailiff and the difference between a criminal trial and a civil trial.

They also had the opportunity to learn about the judges and attorneys who work for Adams County District and Superior courts.

After the mock trial, students received a tour of the district courtroom and the prosecutor’s office.

They also met officials from law enforcement agencies and learned about the equipment they use, and the roles each department has in the county.

Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner explained the Sheriff’s Office has jurisdiction in the municipalities and unincorporated areas in the entire county.

During his introduction, Ritzville Police Department Sergeant Mark Cameron said the department’s operations are similar to the ACSO, except they focus solely in the City of Ritzville.

Cameron added working in a smaller city allows Ritzville police officers more time to help community members at a personal level, which is not common for agencies in larger municipalities.

Students learned how Washington State Patrol monitors freeways and highways for speeding, reckless driving and tailgating, as well as responds to auto collisions.

They also learned how each law agency assists each other on calls in the field.

Similar to the mock trial, Palubicki said Law Day was an opportunity for students to meet local law enforcement in a positive setting.

He added they also held a law day in Othello for elementary school students on May 17.

Palubicki said he thought Law Day was a success and appreciated the judges and staff for their support in the holding the event at the courthouse. He also hopes Law Day becomes an annual event.