Fifth-graders experience Law Day

RITZVILLE – Lind-Ritzville Middle School fifth-graders were treated to a tradition called "Law Day" last week, where they got to hold a mock trial in Superior Court, visit the judge in District Court, and meet law officers from the Adams County Sheriff's office, two State Patrol Troopers, and Ritzville Police Officer Tom Gracie.

In Superior Court, students in Mrs. Gingrich's class tried classmate Karsen Stokoe for allegedly stealing a hat. His jury came back unable to reach a verdict, with 11 having found him guilty, and one juror voting not guilty.

"You have to get a unanimous verdict in criminal cases," Attorney John Kragt explained. "In civil cases, it's a majority."

One juror admitted they didn't feel it was a serious enough crime to be prosecuted.

Adams County Deputy Prosecutor Peter Palubicki explained a prosecutor needs to consider if a case is serious enough for the jury to care. They also needed to know the count.

"The prosecutors don't have much money, so they need to focus on the most serious cases," Palubicki said. "A hung jury or a mistrial is not the same as not guilty, and the prosecutor has to decide whether to pursue it further. If the jury comes back 6-6, the prosecutor has to consider whether or not to spend the money to go back to court."

Joining the fifth-graders in the courtroom was Davenport senior Darby Soliday, who expressed an interest in becoming a prosecuting attorney.

"I've got to tell you, as a lawyer, being a prosecutor is a tough gig," said Kragt, who currently practices civil law, but used to prosecute for the city.

Attorney Barrett Scudder said he used to be a prosecuting attorney before deciding to become a defense attorney.

At the end of the trial, the students were asked for a show of hands of those who might be interested in going into law.

"Great," said Kragt. "We need more attorneys. We're going to count on you coming back to Adams County, to practice here."

Palubicki said he brought Law Day to Ritzville, after seeing it successfully done in Snohomish County, where he practiced law for 25 years.

"I saw high school students grow up to practice law in the same court as they had their Law Day," Palubicki said. "I'm a huge fan."

More fun awaited students on the courthouse lawn, where they observed demonstrations with K-9 officer Ginger; viewed the inside of a city police squad car, a sheriff's deputy's rig, and the Adams County Command Center; and interacted with law enforcement officers.

The students were focused, engaged and curious throughout the event.

"This is the quietest I've ever seen my students," said Gingrich after the courtroom mock trial.