June 7, 2024
On May 30, Perry Junior High School students participated in a mock trial at the U.S. Courthouse in Utica. The defendant, the Big Bad Wolf.
Approximately 200 eighth-grade students attended the mock trial, based on the tale of The Three Little Pigs, to learn more about the justice system and career path opportunities.
Gaining first-hand experience, 14 students were selected to serve as jurors and three students testified on the witness stand as the little pigs.
Presiding over the trial was United States Bankruptcy Judge Patrick Radel. An assistant United States attorney prosecuted the Big Bad Wolf, who was portrayed by an investigator for the Office of Federal Public Defender. Serving as the wolf’s attorney was a federal public defender.
“By making students part of the judiciary process it allows them to envision themselves fulfilling these types of roles,” said Perry social studies teacher Jim Parker who organized the trip to the courthouse. “It’s about building their confidence and empowering them to carve their own path to success.”
Mr. Parker hopes to make the mock trial field trip an annual event and collaborate with the English department in the future.
“Eighth-grade English students have a mock trial in class based on The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. We’d like to coordinate the courthouse mock trial to coincide with the reading of The Outsiders to elevate both lessons and offer new perspectives across both subject areas,” said Mr. Parker.
