Creekview students become lawyers

Creekview students took on the role of lawyers at the Georgia Youth Assembly Program at the State Capitol. Creekview seniors, Alex O., Nathan K., Josh P., and Ashton C., were participants of the Judiciary program. In the program, the students defended and prosecuted a case in front of mock judges, who were professional lawyers. Alex and Josh were a team of co-counsels while Ashton and Nathan were another team.

These students argued in a Mock Supreme Court format in a mock Appellant case. The case was about personal rights of students. The summary of the case was whether or not the use of dogs to search for drugs was invasive because the dogs were physically touching the students during a search and sniff procedure at a school. This mock case dealt with the personal privacy and rights of children at school. The teams had to analyze their case and review it to make the best arguments possible. They spent their time working together on the correct diction and helped build up their public speaking skills.

Coming back for a second year, Alex O. (senior) stated, “As a ‘veteran’ I felt slightly more confident when I went down to Atlanta to present the case to the judges. However, since the case is different every year, it is still a new experience learning case-law and organizing an argument. Also, I had to guide my new co-counsel in the way to present the argument and write a brief. I encourage the underclassmen to take the initiative to get involved in this program and enjoy this amazing experience.”

The 3-day mock legislature gave students from around Georgia a chance to learn firsthand the practical operation of state government. Students have the choice of attending the conference as a senator/representative, judicial participant, lobbyist, or media representative. It is open to students of all grades and is a beneficial learning experience for one who is interested in law, politics, or journalism.

The State YMCA of Georgia, the coordinator of the program, made sure the procedures done at Youth Assembly was as close to possible to those followed by our actual state legislators and lawyers. Their purpose of the program is the hope to produce citizens for the future by letting students learn through action. Former Secretary of State, Cathy Cox stated, “I fell in love with legislative politics because of my participation in Youth Assembly as a teenager. I believe there is no better program for young people to get involved in government than the State Y’s Youth Assembly program.”

This is Creekview’s second year at program and hopes for the program to build. Sponsors Mr. Ard and Mr. Hunsucker encourage students to take part in an experience to see firsthand the process of the government and law in action.

Written by: Beatrice Torralba