This summer, Middle College at Skyline College (MCSC) student Alejandra Rodriguez was invited with students from around the world to attend the National Student Leadership Conference Law & Advocacy’s high school summer law program in Washington D.C. The program goals are to introduce students to the qualities and skills needed for effective leadership, and to help students interested in law and advocacy to examine future career paths. Students use the courtroom as a classroom to assume the role of trial attorney and battle for justice. In addition, sightseeing and educational trips to the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Federal Courthouse, Smithsonian Institution, and Holocaust Memorial Museum gave the students the chance to explore the nation’s capital.
Alejandra and her fellow high school students in the program met with leading trial, jury, forensic, and legal experts from top law firms, the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Court system. Students gained an understanding of homicide law and practiced courtroom techniques such as researching evidence, following evidentiary procedure, preparing and cross-examining witnesses, and crafting and delivering opening and closing statements. The students tried a mock case in a real U.S. Federal courtroom with their performance determining the fate of the accused. Alejandra commented, “This experience confirmed why I want to be a civil justice lawyer.”
Article by K. Saccio-Kent & R. Jones I Photo by M. Center
