For more than five hours Friday, 21 of Trigg County High School’s Gifted & Talented students hunkered down and immersed themselves in the land of the law — embracing three mock trials on the third floor of the Cadiz castle, better known as the Judicial Center.
Sworn in as this year’s representatives for “Teen Court,” this group will eventually serve as a very real response mechanism to juvenile delinquency in the area — turning its own jurisprudence into rendered action against their own peers.
Officially moving from district to circuit court at the turn of the year, Judge Natalie White presided before bringing the full class to order — reminding students that non-punitive punishments, more often than not, lead to better lives for the defendant.
Students also had to swear an oath of confidentiality, knowing full well they’re likely to hear details of wrongdoings during proceedings.
Following a number of mock trials through January, White, GT Teacher Angelica Garnett and Teen Court Coordinator Margaret Hicks all noted that official cases will begin in February, with students filling roles on defense, prosecution and jury.
And it’s their efforts that will help determine the best, effective punishment. Garnett said the juvenile already comes in “guilty,” but needs direction. She also said her students took the roles “very seriously,” and were pleased to implement something James Mangels, the school’s director of personnel and student services, was hoping to see from these students.
Hicks noted “Teen Court” is a place where students can learn to get comfortable in such a professional setting. The courtroom doesn’t have to be such a scary, daunting place.
Furthermore, she said teens assessing and assisting teens just makes an incredible amount of sense, because of shared similar experiences and insight.
One of the students, Hudson Holder, is involved for the first time, and he knows he could be called for duty, and will have to rise to the challenge with little, if any, preparation.
These mock trials, he said, make a difference.
Holder also noted that if a real case involved someone he knew, he’d have a conundrum.
This season’s teen court includes Holder, Mabry Alexander, Cooper Brame, Lance Breckel, Sydney Bryant, Adaline Chalfin, Ethan Curling, Neveah Jackson, Miley Johnson, Piper Mackey, Alesha Nyakeraka, Kadi Quiggins, Ellie Redd, Matthew Reeves, Aiden Robinson, Riley Shaughnessy, Jeremiah Shneider, Ethan Terrell, Jasmine Velez, Emma West and Bradley Wilson.
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