Law Day events pay tribute to American judicial system

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. C. Michaela Judge
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  May 1 marked the 50th anniversary of Law Day - a day dedicated to the celebration of the liberties and ideals that America has been afforded through equality under our judicial system.

Law Day, a day originally established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and officially designated by joint resolution of Congress in 1961, was celebrated at Hanscom through events hosted by the Electronic Systems Center Legal Office.

One event included a luncheon held at the Minuteman Club April 29, where guest speaker the Honorable John Greaney from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, spoke on this year's Law Day theme: The Rule of Law: Foundation for Communities of Opportunity and Equity.

According to the American Bar Association Web site, www.abanet.org, this year's theme explored "the meaning of the rule of law, fostering public understanding of the rule of law through discussion of its role in a free society."

To further instill understanding of America's legal system, the Legal Office staged the mock trial, U.S. vs. Paul Bunyan, for Hanscom Middle School fifth graders April 30.

Paul Bunyan's Hanscom trial included accusations by federal agencies of various environmental infractions and nuisances. Legal office employees played the roles of prosecutor, defense attorney, defendant, judge, witnesses and bailiff. The HMS students actively participated as the trial's jury and in other essential roles.

"The purpose of Law Day is to celebrate the rule of law. Obviously, this is a broad, abstract concept, so the idea of a mock trial is to present to the kids one facet of the law in a tangible, interactive manner," said Capt. Elijah Brown, Adverse Actions chief.

Captain Brown, who played the role of plaintiff during the trial, said that the event was valuable for students to both observe and participate in. "It shows them how the law is applied to a particular set of facts and how there are often competing interests at stake."

Lt. Col. Edwin Daniel, Wing Staff Judge Advocate, said, "Mock trial competitions help our students develop the skills they need to make sense of the American judicial system. These students now understand the basic components of a trial. As a result, they will be able to intelligently discuss big cases in the news or processes related to grandma's reckless driving trial." Colonel Daniel participated in the event by playing the role of the judge.

During the trial, the jury of students decided the fate of Paul Bunyan, who was accused of clearing numerous forests, polluting water, and correcting highways among other things. However, after hearing both sides of the story, the student jury determined that Paul Bunyan was innocent, and in many instances was only trying to help others.

Matt Schluckebier, a student who observed the trial, said that the jury made the right decision in the end because "the case proved that Paul Bunyan was actually helping people." Matt also said that the mock trial showed what court "is like in real life."

Several other students also felt like they benefited in some way from the event.

"It was very informing. Law Day showed us as kids what to expect and what we need to know if we decide to go into law when we're older," said Reagan Stone, who also said that her mom gave her advice for being on the jury. "She said to focus on the facts."

Alyssa Perry, also on the student jury, said that the event explained "what court is like and what to do if you are on a jury." She also said that it helped her better understand the trial process.

The Legal Office staff was impressed with the participation and effort of the students during the mock trial.
"The students did an outstanding job. Assistant co-counsel examined the witnesses, lodged objections, and even made closing arguments; I was particularly impressed with the thoughtfulness of the jury," Captain Brown said.

The ESC Legal Office staff plans on continuing the mock trial event for students as a part of Law Day. "Even though we had a little fun with the script, it was evident that the students understood what was happening. The endless stream of questions at the end of the trial demonstrated that the students are developing an appreciation for our American judicial system," Colonel Daniel said.