Hanscom students serve as Law Day jurors

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Timothy Galloway
  • Electronic Systems Center Legal Office
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Court was in session when the Electronic Systems Center legal office celebrated Law Day 2010 last Friday with its annual mock trial for Hansom's fifth grade students. This marks the 53rd consecutive year that American's have celebrated Law Day.

Dressed as buccaneers on the high seas, the cast of paralegals and attorneys performed a courtroom role-play involving pirate tales of adventure, treasure and, of course, Facebook. Lt. Konrad Osa, dressed as Pirate Tommy Two-Guns, stood accused of stealing treasure from the U.S. government. He was also accused of posting photographs on the internet threatening the U.S. Government.

To provide an early understanding and appreciation of why an independent jury plays such an important role in safeguarding rights, the students played the role of jurors, getting an opportunity to participate first hand in the trial process. By using the fun-filled pirate theme, complete with familiar pirate sayings, the students delved into conversations of much more modern legal issues facing children today, such as the inability to identify "bad guys" by their physical appearance and the way the justice system works to protect the innocent.

After the case concluded, the students discussed comparisons of today's pirates from those peg-legged and one-eyed actors and how a real trial would differ from the skit. Law Day was an opportunity for the students to witness the workings of a courtroom trial while having fun.

"The legal profession holds a special place in society," Capt. Michael Thiefels, Chief of General Law, stated, "Many children will consider going into the profession of law, and this is the perfect forum to teach and create interest. The students get to see a real courtroom and understand how basic court procedures work. And we, the legal office benefit in that we are able to share our time and talent with the base community."

In addition to the mock trial, Vermont Law School Professor Oliver Goodenough, an expert in business, entertainment and intellectual property law, discussed how emerging technology affects the practice of law. He spoke on the influence of social networking and internet-based legal resources and how these mediums will change the practice of law.