Mock Trial program allows students multiple experiential learning opportunities

Court is in session at EWG. From July 6-15, students in the Criminal Justice/Mock Trial program learned about the workings of the United States legal system. Run by Ms. Hartley, the class covered trial procedure, as well as the roles of all participants. Students were also able to get out of the classroom, visiting the State Police Barracks in Scituate, where they were able to see the inner workings of a 911 call center and look in on a real-life forensics lab.

After a year of distance learning, students were refreshed by an opportunity to engage in some experiential learning. “I’m really interested in forensics, so I think it will be pretty cool to see…what they do,” said senior Amanda Reed. 

One highlight of the class was a visit from Rhode Island State Attorney General Peter Neronha. Neronha gave students additional insight into the real legal system, commenting on cases that he has dealt with in the past, as well as on one case which is currently being prosecuted. He also spoke about the path that led him to become Attorney General.

You can go at your own pace and learn more about it without going into such great detail.

Amanda Reed, Class of 2022

Naturally, students participated in their own mock trials. In one such trial, fictional defendant Chris Archer was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and criminal hazing. The case was tried by EWG student volunteers as part of the community service graduation requirement.

Like other classes within the Summer Enrichment Program, the Mock Trial class allowed students to explore their interests without committing to an entire semester on the subject. “Even though it’s still run by a teacher…it’s a bit more relaxed,” Reed said. “You can go at your own pace and learn more about it without going into such great detail.”