In an engaging display of civic education, students at Shadow Ridge stepped into the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and jurors for the annual government class trials. The mock trials, a long-standing tradition in the senior-level history curriculum, aim to bring textbook principles to life by immersing students in real courtroom procedures and legal reasoning. This year, the results seemed to be a surprise.
Mr. Nighswonger, the AP government teacher, said, ”The defense teams won a little bit more than I expected this year. It’s usually just because one team works harder and prepares more than the other side. I guess the defense teams throughout the activity worked harder this year.”
Held over the course of the month, the school auditorium transformed into a courtroom for the event- these simulated trials gave students hands-on experience with the U.S. justice system. Guided by Mr. Nighswonger and Ms. Saurez, students were divided into prosecution and defense teams and were tasked with arguing fictional cases that mirror real-world legal issues, created by the forensic science department.
Mr. Nighswonger said, “I think the collaboration is great. Mr. Stahlke (Forensic science teacher) and I work very well together. He also makes sure to send really smart students to be forensic experts for the trials.”
The cases can range anywhere from vandalism to homicide, challenging students to apply constitutional law in complex, modern-day scenarios. Preparation began weeks in advance, with students researching precedent, crafting opening and closing statements, and rehearsing cross-examinations. Many members of faculty came to witness the trials, and the freshman studies class attended to take on the role of jurors.
Olly Aionaaka, a senior, said, “I thought the trials were really fun, interactive, and team-centered. Overall, my team was very involved and our work was distributed evenly.”
Meanwhile, freshmen in the jury pool also learned important lessons about their civic duty. They learned the importance of being objective and following what each side said in order to come to a unanimous decision. The freshman studies class was allowed to step outside in order to collaborate.
Aionaaka added, “We did good this year, and we won! I would definitely do it again.”
The trials concluded this month, with verdicts given and mock court finishes portrayed. For these students, it was more than just a grade. It was an unforgettable experience in democracy in action, given to students.
