On December 19th, the Middle School hosted the Cuyahoga County Court in the Classroom program. The purpose of the program is to allow 8th graders to see how the justice system works and to show them how their constitutional rights are exercised in court. It is also meant to show them that poor choices have consequences. Instead of bussing the 8th graders to the Justice Center, the Justice Center will come to them.
The students saw a Common Pleas Court judge, 2 sheriff’s deputies, and a licensed Court Reporter. They will see actual defendants, none of whom are violent and none of whom are prisoners, sentenced to probation. They will also witness the process that allows defendants to plea-bargain.
The judge had a table in the center of the room while the defense and prosecuting attorneys had tables on either side of him. The judge heard 1 case, which was a probation sentencing.
Previous Court in the Classroom cases have involved drug possession, sexting, and attempted burglary.
Brianna Landrum was chosen to call the proceedings to order, while Leon Portzer Webb portrayed a defendant to show students how a plea agreement trial would be handled.
Thank you to all the individuals involved in making today a success.