Law Day gives students glimpse of ‘real’ judicial system

By Kelcy Dolan
Posted 5/5/16

You are never too young to start learning about our country’s law system. Some middle schoolers in Warwick got their first glimpse into the judicial system on Rhode Island Law Day (RILD) last …

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Law Day gives students glimpse of ‘real’ judicial system

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You are never too young to start learning about our country’s law system. Some middle schoolers in Warwick got their first glimpse into the judicial system on Rhode Island Law Day (RILD) last Friday, April 29.

In more than 44 schools across the state, lawyers and judges volunteered their time to speak with students on the Miranda Rights

Valerie Leon, who volunteered at St. Peter Tri-Parish School, said, “I think its important for even young children to understand who they are as citizens and the rights they are entitled to.”

Even though the students are not 18 yet, she said it’s important to clear up “misconceptions” they may have from television shows or on social media.

The 6th, 7th and 8th grades at St. Peter School participated in the presentation, where Leon and her judge counterpart for RILD, District Court Associate Judge Stephen M. Isherwood, quizzed the students on particular cases to get their input and opinions.

Isherwood said it is “fascinating” to go into schools and see their point of view on different issues at such a young age. Although they may be young, Isherwood believes it’s necessary to understand how our own country operates.

Isherwood, a St. Peter graduate and a parishioner of the church, said he saw many “familiar faces” in the crowd.

“You never know how many of the students are interested in pursuing law,” Isherwood said. “I could tell them I was once exactly where you are now.”

Nancy Moreira, a teacher at St. Peter School, said her students were very excited for their special guests. Surrounded by media focusing on the law system and police departments she believes students are very interested in the subject matter.

“It’s good they can see the real people in the field,” she said.

Norman Bouthillier, a history teacher at Winman, had Jonathan Whaley and the Family Court Associate Judgice Karen Lynch Bernard visit one of his 8th grade classes. Having professionals interact with students allows them to get a better understanding of how the field works he said. Especially for those interested in pursing a law degree, RILD gives students insight to their possible careers.

At Winman, Lynch Bernard and Whaley discussed the implications should a suspect not be read their Miranda Rights and the dangers of a “false confession.”

“Every once in a while you will see on the news that someone is released from jail when new evidence exonerates them,” Whaley said. “A lot of these cases were prosecuted with a ‘false confession.’”

He warned that with the rise of social media there isn’t always a need for a confession because police can just follow the online trail.

“This is a great program. So much is taught in textbook and theory, it’s good to have students see the reality of the practice, how things work on a daily basis,” Whaley said.

Lynch Bernard said, “It’s good for us to connect with students. This is outreach for us, a way to give back at a local level. We can put what students are learning into context.”

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