Law Day activities set
About two-dozen high school students will get a glimpse into the world of law when they argue both sides of a criminal case during a mock trial. On Law Day, May 1, the Uniontown Area High School students will present both sides of a fictitious computer-hacking case, said attorney Bernard John, who is coordinating the mock trial. The students come from advance placement European and American history classes, and are eager to participate in the trial, John said.
Attorney Samuel J. Davis, president of the Fayette County Bar Association, said that the mock trial will be held in the courtroom of President Judge Conrad B. Capuzzi, but Judge John F. Wagner Jr. will preside over the trial.
“Every small step every bar association … can take to expose our young people to the law is important,” Davis said.
The case the students will be trying is the fictional one of a high school student charged with hacking into the school’s computer system to change a grade. The hypothetical scenario involves the legal principles of search and seizure.
John said that while attorneys will assist the students, they will have to present their respective cases themselves.
“We want the students to have the chance to advocate for one side or the other,” John said.
Witnesses called in the case also will be students, he said. A jury of attorneys from the county will decide the case.
John said students, assisted by attorneys, will have to figure out how to navigate through and interpret the many gray areas of law.
“In a trial situation, you never know what to expect. You can do all the preparation, and (unanticipated) things can unfold,” John said.
While some associate legal work with how it’s depicted on television shows, Davis said he hopes the real-world experience of what it’s like to get ready for a case will inspire the students.
“It’s not as exciting as it is on TV – it’s mostly preparation. … But in the end, there’s a great benefit to everyone who participates,” Davis said.
Davis said he hoped that the mock trial and other efforts to continue educating the public about the law would become the ongoing legacy of his presidency of the county’s bar association.
“It’s a wonderful organization, and I’m proud to be a member,” he said.
Jack R. Heneks Jr., the deputy prosecutor who handles child abuse cases, will aid the prosecution team of students. Jeremy Davis, a deputy public defender, will help the students who present a defense in the case.