Oct 18, 2018 - Duval County Public Schools students studying civics and law had their turn running the courtroom with the help of local judges and attorneys this week.
As part of a hands-on event coordinated by the district's Social Studies department, the students visited a courtroom in the Duval County Unified Courthouse. While there, the students were assigned a specific position in court by local judge, Tatiana Salvador. Each student, whether a plaintiff, bailiff, judge or juror, learned about the importance of their role in a fair trial.
In addition to learning about various courtroom roles, students also explored the importance of the seventh amendment which secures the right to a trial by jury.
Kaitlynn Gardner, a social studies teacher at Landmark Middle School, was thrilled her students got such a hands-on experience with the court system.
"I think it's important for them to see our legislative and judicial systems first-hand because they're just so unique," said Ms. Gardner.
After lunch in the jury selection room, students were able to tour the Federal Courthouse just down the street.