Legal office hosts law day for children

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samantha S. Crane
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Fourth grade students from the Base Primary School learned how courtrooms work during a mock trial hosted by the 366th Fighter Wing Legal Office April 30 as part of Law Day 2008 May 1 celebration.

Sponsored by the American Bar Association, this year's theme was "The Rule of Law: Foundation for Communities of Opportunity and Equity."

"The purpose of Law Day 2008 is to explore the meaning of the rule of law, fostering public understanding of the rule of law through discussion of its role in a free society," said Lt. Col. Brynn Morgan, 366th FW staff judge advocate.

The mock trial took place in the legal office's courtroom and featured Jack Robinson versus state. Based on the children's story Jack and the Beanstalk, Jack was charged with causing the murder of the Ogre in the second degree when he cut down the beanstalk after stealing the ogre's harp. Students played a direct role in the trial by acting out the roles of Jack, the Ogre's wife, the harp, the jury members and the bailiff along with the prosecution and defense lawyers. Staff Sgt. Steven Bayne, 366th FW noncommissioned officer in charge of military justice, played the judge.

The trial began with the prosecution and defense's opening remarks followed by witness accounts. After each side's closing remarks, the fourth graders split into two groups to decide Jack's fate. One group charged Jack with second degree murder and suggested ten to 15 years in jail while the other group found him innocent.

The first group of fourth graders explained that they thought he was guilty due to the fact that the ogre was only trying to get his property back while the second group claimed he was innocent as he acted out of self defense. After presenting their sentences to the rest of the court, the judge proclaimed Jack innocent, and he was released.

After the trial, students asked any questions they had about how the law works.

"It exposed them to how court procedures work," said Travis Henke, Base Primary School fourth grade teacher. "It gave them the chance to debate the sentencing and laws."

To further celebrate Law Day, the fourth grade classes made posters demonstrating their favorite laws, which were displayed in the legal office.

"We have focused on children's activities the last three years because we want to teach them the value of law in their society," said Colonel Morgan. "We give them the opportunity to ask questions about the law and they ask some really good ones."